Interactive, Health Literacy Promoting Text Messages and HPV Vaccine Completion In Minority Adolescents

Comparative Effectiveness of Interactive, Health Literacy Promoting Text Messages on HPV Vaccine Completion In Minority Adolescents

Emerging communication technologies, such as text messaging offer low-cost, scalable opportunities to improve health literacy and promote healthy behaviors, such as vaccination. While the investigators reported the success of text message vaccine reminders, effects were limited by their untailored approach. The trans-theoretical model of behavior change supports tailoring interventions to an individual's stage of decision-making. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted virus in the U.S. and can lead to genital warts, and cervical, anal and penile cancer. The three-dose vaccine is 90-100% efficacious. Minorities are at greatest risk for such cancers but have low HPV vaccine completion rates. Limited health literacy regarding the vaccine can affect series completion. The investigators will compare the effects of enhancing text message vaccination reminders with interactive, vaccine health literacy-promoting information tailored to vaccine decision making-stage on HPV vaccine series completion. The effects of these messages represent a new paradigm in interactive health communications.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Parenting adult of adolescent age 11-17 years
• Adolescent received 1st dose of HPV at a study site within the last 2 weeks.
• Eligible parent's cell phone has text message capability

Exclusion Criteria:

• Language other than English or Spanish only
• Parent already in the study
• Intends to move away from the New York City area in <12 months