title: Factors Influencing Engagement, Perceived Usefulness and Behavioral Mechanisms Associated with a Text Message Support Program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many studies have now demonstrated the efficacy of text messaging in positively changing behaviours. We aimed to identify features and factors that explain the effectiveness of a successful text messaging program in terms of user engagement, perceived usefulness, behavior change and program delivery preferences.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mixed methods qualitative design combining four data sources; (i) analytic data extracted directly from the software system, (ii) participant survey, (iii) focus groups to identify barriers and enablers to implementation and mechanisms of effect and (iv) recruitment screening logs and text message responses to examine engagement. This evaluation was conducted within the TEXT ME trial-a parallel design, single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 710 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Qualitative data were interpreted using inductive thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  307/352 (87% response rate) of recruited patients with CHD completed the program evaluation survey at six months and 25 participated in a focus group. Factors increasing engagement included (i) ability to save and share messages, (ii) having the support of providers and family, (iii) a feeling of support through participation in the program, (iv) the program being initiated close to the time of a cardiovascular event, (v) personalization of the messages, (vi) opportunity for initial face-to-face contact with a provider and (vii) that program and content was perceived to be from a credible source. Clear themes relating to program delivery were that diet and physical activity messages were most valued, four messages per week was ideal and most participants felt program duration should be provided for at least for six months or longer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides context and insight into the factors influencing consumer engagement with a text message program aimed at improving health-related behavior. The study suggests program components that may enhance potential success but will require integration at the development stage to optimize up-scaling.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12611000161921.
authors.affiliation: The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.|Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Redfern
authors.affiliation: The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.|Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Karla
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Santo
authors.affiliation: The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.|Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Genevieve
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Coorey
authors.affiliation: Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.|Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Jay
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Thakkar
authors.affiliation: The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.|Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.|The University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Maree
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hackett
authors.affiliation: Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia.|Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Aravinda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thiagalingam
authors.affiliation: The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.|Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.|Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Clara K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Chow
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D062645:Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012907:Smoking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D060145:Text Messaging