Using Mobile Health (mHealth) to Improve STI Treatment Adherence Among Adolescents

Leveraging Health Information Technology to Reduce Health Disparities in Adolescent Health Outcomes: A Patient-Centered Approach

We will conduct a randomized trial to compare differences in sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment adherence between patients receiving text messages versus those receiving usual care (e.g. no text messages). We hypothesize that STI treatment adherence will be 20% higher among patients randomized to receipt of two-way text messaging services.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adolescent patients seen in the Emergency Department who test positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or pelvic inflammatory disease and are prescribed outpatient antibiotic treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients will be excluded if they are unable to understand English, are critically ill, have cognitive impairment or if they do not have access to a cellular telephone with text messaging capabilities.