Open AccessDevelopment of a Mobile Health Intervention to Promote Papanicolaou Tests and Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in an Underserved Immigrant Population: A Culturally Targeted and Individually Tailored Text Messaging Approach
Author(s) -
Hee Yun Lee,
Lee M,
Monica Sharratt,
Sohye Lee,
Anne Blaes
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
jmir mhealth and uhealth
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 50
ISSN - 2291-5222
DOI - 10.2196/13256
Subject(s) - papanicolaou stain , intervention (counseling) , immigration , mhealth , population , text messaging , medicine , human papillomavirus , family medicine , vaccination , internet privacy , psychology , cervical cancer , nursing , computer science , psychological intervention , virology , environmental health , cancer , political science , law
Background Disparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality signify the need for intervention efforts targeting Korean American immigrant women. Objective The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how a culturally targeted and tailored mobile text messaging intervention, mobile screening (mScreening), was developed to promote the uptake of Papanicolaou tests and human papillomavirus vaccine among young Korean American immigrant women. Methods Guided by the Fogg behavior model, the mScreening intervention was developed through a series of focus groups. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used to identify core themes. Results Overall, 4 themes were identified: (1) tailored message content (ie, basic knowledge about cervical cancer), (2) an interactive and visual message format (ie, age-appropriate and friendly messages using emoticons), (3) brief message delivery formats to promote participant engagement, and (4) use of an incentive to motivate participation (ie, gift cards). Conclusions This study demonstrated the processes of gathering culturally relevant information to develop a mobile phone text messaging intervention and incorporating the target population’s perspectives into the development of the intervention. The findings of the study could help guide future intervention development targeting different types of cancer screening in other underserved racial or ethnic groups.