AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Weekly Text Messaging Service Enhances Access to Local Clinics and Accurate Information on Sexual Health for Teens and Young Adults

AHRQ’s Health Care Innovations Exchange Highlights Text Messaging Services That Promote Sexual Health

Three programs featured on AHRQ’s Innovations Exchange describe innovative uses of text messaging services to promote sexual health, provide test results, and refer youth to nearby clinics for screening. One example of a text messaging innovation is “Hookup 61827” in California [AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Weekly Text Messaging Service Enhances Access to Local Clinics and Accurate Information on Sexual Health for Teens and Young Adults]. The statewide program sends weekly text messages on various sexual health topics to more than 4,000 adolescent subscribers. Youth can visit the Hookup 61827 Web site [The Hookup text messaging service for reproductive health info | TeenSource] to sign up for the text messaging service and learn more about sexual health. Select to read this issue and for more innovations on AHRQ’s Health Care Innovations Exchange Web site (AHRQ Innovations Exchange).

Weekly Text Messaging Service Enhances Access to Local Clinics and Accurate Information on Sexual Health for Teens and Young Adults

Snapshot
Related QualityTool:
Teen Source: The Hookup

Summary
A statewide text messaging service (known as "Hookup 61827") provides weekly sexual health tips and connects high-risk teens and young adults in California to locally available sexual and reproductive health services. After signing up for the service, users receive weekly tips on a variety of topics, such as sexually transmitted diseases, birth control, emergency contraception, sexual communication, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Each text includes a prompt that enables subscribers to get contact information for up to four local clinics that provide free or low-cost testing and reproductive health services. The program has enhanced access to accurate information on sexual health, which has led to positive changes in behavior and increased knowledge. The program appears to have enhanced access to local clinics providing free and low-cost services, and has generated positive feedback from stakeholders throughout California.

Evidence Rating
Suggestive: The evidence consists of post-implementation data on the total number of subscribers and clinic referral requests and on changes in sexual health knowledge and behavior reported in focus groups, along with anecdotal feedback from key program champions/stakeholder groups.

Developing Organizations
California Department of Public Health, STD Control Branch; California Family Health Council; Internet Sexuality Information Services, Inc. (ISIS-Inc.)

Date First Implemented
2009

Patient Population
Age > Adolescent (13-18 years); Vulnerable Populations > Racial minorities; Urban populations


full-text:
AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Weekly Text Messaging Service Enhances Access to Local Clinics and Accurate Information on Sexual Health for Teens and Young Adults