Sexual Health Texting Intervention to Support Adolescent Females

Adolescents, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are disproportionally affected by both unintended pregnancies and STDs. While youth only represent a quarter of the sexually active population in the US, they account for almost half of all new STDs and the rate of unintended pregnancies among sexually active teens is almost double the rate of all sexually active women. Teen mothers experience higher rates of negative social outcomes including school dropout and children of teens are more likely to have low birth weight, lower academic achievement and more likely to perpetuate the cycle of teen pregnancy themselves. Both unintended pregnancies and STDs are much higher among racial/ethnic minority populations. Contraceptive methods considered most effective for pregnancy prevention do not protect against STDs and HIV transmission. Dual protection methods include being on an effective and consistent form of contraception and having an effective STD prevention method in place, preferably consistent condom use. Non-penetrative sexual practices can be substituted.

There are many barriers to providing sexual health education and services in the context of primary care visits. A recent study of pediatricians found that 61% of pediatricians reported discussing contraception, use of condoms and/or STDs with patients at preventive care visits. Most providers (76%), however, believed they did not have sufficient time to provide such counseling in the visit. The problems are even more acute in resource-limited safety net settings. Therefore, a two-tiered approach may prove to be useful, where providers initially address reproductive health issues in the visit but where additional support outside the visit provides additional information, support, motivation and connection to services. An innovative intervention using texting technology may prove to be a cost effective method of providing support between visits.

Inclusion criteria

• biologically female;
• between 13 and 18 years of age;
• not currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant;
• have texting capability; and
• able to read/write/speak in English.

Exclusion criteria

• not meeting inclusion criteria outlined above