Can text messages increase safer sex behaviours in young people? Intervention development and pilot randomised controlled trial

Free C, McCarthy O, French RS, Wellings K, Michie S, Roberts I, Devries K, Rathod S, Bailey J, Syred J, Edwards P, Hart G, Palmer M, Baraitser P
Record ID 32013000987
English
Authors' objectives: To assess the acceptability and feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of a safer sex intervention delivered by text message for young people aged 16–24 years. Younger people bear the heaviest burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Partner notification, condom use and STI testing can reduce infection but many young people lack the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to carry out these behaviours. Text messages can provide effective behavioural support. The acceptability and feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of safer sex support delivered by text message are not known.
Authors' recommendations: Our research shows that the intervention is acceptable and feasible to deliver. Our pilot trial demonstrated that a main trial is feasible. It remains unclear which behaviour change techniques and elements of the intervention or follow-up procedures are associated with effectiveness. A further limitation is that in the trial one person entering data and the participants were unmasked. A randomised controlled trial to establish the effects of the intervention on STIs at 12 months is needed.
Details
Project Status: Completed
URL for project: http://www.nets.nihr.ac.uk/projects/hta/109304
Year Published: 2016
URL for published report: http://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/hta20570/#/abstract
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: England, United Kingdom
MeSH Terms
  • Adolescent
  • Young Adult
  • Sex Education
  • Sexual Behavior
Contact
Organisation Name: NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme
Contact Address: NIHR Journals Library, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre, Alpha House, University of Southampton Science Park, Southampton SO16 7NS, UK
Contact Name: journals.library@nihr.ac.uk
Contact Email: journals.library@nihr.ac.uk
Copyright: Queen's Printer and Controller of HMSO
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