A Trial Assessing the Effectiveness of Text Messages in Improving Continuation of Birth Control
Condition: Initiation of a Birth Control Method
Study type: Interventional
Phase: Phase 1

Summary: 
      This study is a randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness in a series of
      educational text messages in improving continuation of a birth control method in comparison
      to the 'standard counseling', when girls initiate a new method of birth control. Girls aged
      15-19 year olds who are attending for a reproductive health visit and who own a working cell
      phone will be approached and asked if they would like to participate. Following completion of
      a baseline questionnaire and consultation for initiation of a new birth control method they
      will be randomized to receive either the intervention or standard counseling.

      If randomized to the intervention they will receive 3 messages per week for the initial 3
      weeks, 2 messages per week for the following 5 weeks and then one message per week
      thereafter. Messages will be tailored to the birth control method the participant has
      initiated. At 4 months all participants will be contacted via telephone and asked to complete
      a questionnaire regarding continuation of use.
    

Detailed description: 
      Hypothesis. A personalized text messaging program providing trustworthy, reliable information
      and support to female adolescents initiating a birth control method, will improve adherence
      and correct use of the method and so reduce unwanted pregnancies.

      Methods. Female adolescents aged 15-19 year olds attending Mount Sinai Adolescent Health
      Center (MSAHC) for initiating a birth control method will be asked if they are interested in
      participating in the trial.

      The Intervention Group. Upon initiation of a birth control method patients will be signed up
      to the text messaging platform. Via this program they will receive personalized messages
      regarding their chosen method of birth control. Participants will receive 3 messages during
      the initial 3 weeks, 2 messages per week in weeks 4-8 and then one message a week thereafter
      for a period of 12 months. They will be signed up for reminders to take/change their method
      (as appropriate) and have access to a Healthcare Provider to ask questions via text message
      that they may have regarding their method. Participants will be reminded (via text message)
      to attend the clinic for a birth control refill (if necessary) at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

      The Control Group. Participants randomized in to the control group will have standard care.
      This is the usual counseling by the Health Care Provider or Health Educator. Patients in the
      intervention arm will also receive this standard care.
    

Intervention name(s): Text messaging
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): Text messages to cell phone with education messages about the specific birth control they are using
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Prevention
Keywords: Text messaging; birth control; adolescents