Health promotion text blasts for minority adolescent mothers

Sara Brown, Diane Brage Hudson, Christie Campbell-Grossman, Bernice C. Yates

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To examine use of technology for delivering a health promotion intervention via text blasts in single, low-income, adolescent, minority mothers and to describe their perceptions and experiences with the intervention.

Study Design and Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used for this study. Health promotion information was sent weekly in the form of text blasts and/or pictures to five mothers during the first 6 months postpartum. Topics included promotion of breastfeeding, effects of breast milk on infant growth and development, information about infant immunizations, and reminders about infant and maternal follow-up and well-being. Qualitative interviews occurred monthly with mothers about their perceptions and experiences with the health promotion intervention and their health promotion behaviors. Data were analyzed using qualitative analytic techniques to generate themes from the mothers' interviews.

Results: Four themes emerged: (a) Trustworthy Support System, (b) Overcoming Barriers to Health Promotion, (c) Parenting Validation, and (d) Preferred Mode of Communication. All mothers used breast milk through 6 months postpartum and were adherent with childhood immunizations and maternal and infant follow-up appointments, unlike lower proportions in the general population.

Clinical Implications: Health promotion text blasts can improve single, low-income, adolescent, minority mothers' health behavior outcomes such as adherence with recommended immunizations for their infants, breastfeeding success, and recommended maternal and infant healthcare visits. Further, it is the preferred mode of communication for these mothers. Future studies are needed for examining the use of technology to deliver healthcare to a larger sample of minority adolescent mothers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)357-362
Number of pages6
JournalMCN The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing
Volume39
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Keywords

  • Health promotion
  • Minority health
  • Mothers
  • Text messaging

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology (nursing)
  • Maternity and Midwifery

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