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

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



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 population


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