Effectiveness of a Text Message Pilot Program Targeting Low-Income Latinos' Dietary Behaviors

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of an innovative texting program on fruit and vegetable (FV) and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among low-income Latinos in California.Target audienceLow-income Latinos (n=579) in the Central Coast region of California.Theory, Prior Research, RationaleRecent studies have shown text messages are a viable means to reach Latinos with healthcare-related information. Seventy percent of English-speaking Latinos report frequent text messaging, versus just over 50% of non-Hispanic Whites.DescriptionFor up to 16 weeks, participants received 2 weekly text messages addressing FV and SSB consumption. Messages included nutrition facts, links to useful websites, and recipes. Participants chose to receive messages in Spanish (n=451) or English (n=128). Messages were tailored based on the existence of children in the home. Participants were recruited passively through posters and flyers and actively by lay health educators and could opt out at any time.EvaluationPre-post test questions were included in the text messages at the beginning and end of the program, respectively. There was a 17% increase in frequency of filling half their plates with FV (p=0.006). Seventy percent of participants reported meeting or exceeding their SSB goals. Unprompted, some participants replied to text messages indicating they had lost weight and their children had stopped drinking SSBs as a result of the program.Conclusions and ImplicationsStudy findings support the effectiveness of texting programs at improving dietary behaviors. The Network for a Healthy California would like to continue to support and expand this program. With the groundwork laid and effective messages already developed, this pilot project could be rolled out statewide.FundingSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education. ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of an innovative texting program on fruit and vegetable (FV) and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among low-income Latinos in California. To assess the effectiveness of an innovative texting program on fruit and vegetable (FV) and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among low-income Latinos in California. Target audienceLow-income Latinos (n=579) in the Central Coast region of California. Low-income Latinos (n=579) in the Central Coast region of California. Theory, Prior Research, RationaleRecent studies have shown text messages are a viable means to reach Latinos with healthcare-related information. Seventy percent of English-speaking Latinos report frequent text messaging, versus just over 50% of non-Hispanic Whites. Recent studies have shown text messages are a viable means to reach Latinos with healthcare-related information. Seventy percent of English-speaking Latinos report frequent text messaging, versus just over 50% of non-Hispanic Whites. DescriptionFor up to 16 weeks, participants received 2 weekly text messages addressing FV and SSB consumption. Messages included nutrition facts, links to useful websites, and recipes. Participants chose to receive messages in Spanish (n=451) or English (n=128). Messages were tailored based on the existence of children in the home. Participants were recruited passively through posters and flyers and actively by lay health educators and could opt out at any time. For up to 16 weeks, participants received 2 weekly text messages addressing FV and SSB consumption. Messages included nutrition facts, links to useful websites, and recipes. Participants chose to receive messages in Spanish (n=451) or English (n=128). Messages were tailored based on the existence of children in the home. Participants were recruited passively through posters and flyers and actively by lay health educators and could opt out at any time. EvaluationPre-post test questions were included in the text messages at the beginning and end of the program, respectively. There was a 17% increase in frequency of filling half their plates with FV (p=0.006). Seventy percent of participants reported meeting or exceeding their SSB goals. Unprompted, some participants replied to text messages indicating they had lost weight and their children had stopped drinking SSBs as a result of the program. Pre-post test questions were included in the text messages at the beginning and end of the program, respectively. There was a 17% increase in frequency of filling half their plates with FV (p=0.006). Seventy percent of participants reported meeting or exceeding their SSB goals. Unprompted, some participants replied to text messages indicating they had lost weight and their children had stopped drinking SSBs as a result of the program. Conclusions and ImplicationsStudy findings support the effectiveness of texting programs at improving dietary behaviors. The Network for a Healthy California would like to continue to support and expand this program. With the groundwork laid and effective messages already developed, this pilot project could be rolled out statewide. Study findings support the effectiveness of texting programs at improving dietary behaviors. The Network for a Healthy California would like to continue to support and expand this program. With the groundwork laid and effective messages already developed, this pilot project could be rolled out statewide.