Journal of Medical Internet Research
Volume 21, Issue 6, 2019

Development 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 (Article) (Open Access)

Lee H.Y.* , Lee M.H. , Sharratt M. , Lee S. , Blaes A.
  • a School of Social Work, University of Alabama, 1022 Little Hall Box 870314, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, United States
  • b School of Social Work, College of Heath and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
  • c School of Social Work, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, United States
  • d Loewenberg College of Nursing, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, United States
  • e Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, United States

Abstract

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. © Hee Yun Lee, Mi Hwa Lee, Monica Sharratt, Sohye Lee, Anne Blaes.

Author Keywords

Papillomavirus vaccines text messaging immigrants Papanicolaou test Uterine cervical cancer Asian American Papillomavirus infections

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85071382004&doi=10.2196%2f13256&partnerID=40&md5=b980bded50868319989735cf7aff5fc2
DOI: 10.2196/13256
ISSN: 14388871
Original Language: English