Codesign of a cardiovascular disease prevention text message bank for older adults

Abstract

ObjectiveDevelop and validate a text message bank to support healthier lifestyle behaviors in older adults at risk for cardiovascular disease utilizing a codesign approach. MethodsInitially, the researchers, based on literature, developed a bank of 68 SMS text messages focusing on healthy eating (24 messages), physical activity (24 messages), and motivational feedback (20 messages), based on a scoping review of the literature on promoting behavioral change to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors. In the next step, a panel of five experts analyzed every subset of SMS text messages. Further validation was conducted by nine older adults (≥ 60 years). The user demographics, telephone literacy, understanding, and appeal for every SMS text message were evaluated using a 31-item questionnaire. ResultsParticipants provided an acceptable understanding of the critical concept found in the 49 SMS text message (physical activity M = 1.73 ± 0.18; diet M = 1.73 ± 0.26; motivation M = 1.85 ± 0.25; range 0–2). The average ratings for physical activity (i.e., likability), healthy eating, and motivation were 8.62 ± 0.64, 8.57 ± 0.76, and 8.40 ± 0.83, respectively (range 0–10). ConclusionCo-designers were able to identify the technological and content requirements for each text message and infographic to enhance understanding and appeal. Practice implicationsA feasibility study will need to be conducted as a next step to testing the effectiveness of text messages in a mobile-based intervention to promote healthy behaviors in older adults at high CVD risk.