Journal of
Public Health and Epidemiology

  • Abbreviation: J. Public Health Epidemiol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2316
  • DOI: 10.5897/JPHE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 657

Full Length Research Paper

A protocol for a randomized controlled trial on mobile phone text messaging to improve sexo-reproductive health in Cameroon

Frankline Sevidzem Wirsiy
  • Frankline Sevidzem Wirsiy
  • Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63 - Buea, Cameroon.
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Dickson Shey Nsagha
  • Dickson Shey Nsagha
  • Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63 - Buea, Cameroon.
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Omer Tchikamgoua Njajou
  • Omer Tchikamgoua Njajou
  • School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America.
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Joseph Besong Besong
  • Joseph Besong Besong
  • Department of Educational Foundations and Administration, Faculty of Education, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63 - Buea, Cameroon.
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  •  Received: 01 April 2019
  •  Accepted: 18 June 2019
  •  Published: 31 July 2020

Abstract

This trial aims at testing the efficacy of weekly sexo-reproductive health educational text messages to improve perception of adolescent girls on sexo-reproductive health in Cameroon. This is a single-centered randomized controlled single-blinded trial. Adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 years in the Kumbo West Health District are the target population. A central computer generated randomization list was used to prevent selection bias and enable the production of the comparable groups for this trial. Allocation concealment (1:1) was determined by sequentially numbered sealed opaque envelopes. A total of 460 participants either receive the mobile phone text message or no text message. Data was collected at baseline, three month and six month intervals. A blinded program secretary sent out text messages and record delivery. The studies primary outcomes were improved knowledge and practices towards sexo-reproductive health, while its secondary outcomes were improved behaviour and attitudes towards sexo-reproductive health. Analysis was by intention-to-change behaviour. Covariates and subgroups were taken into account. This trial investigated the potential of SMS messages on sexo-reproductive health education to improve adolescent girl’s perception to attain better health outcomes. This trial contribute to the growing body of evidence on the use of mobile phone technology as a complementary strategy for strengthening health systems and achieving health-related goals oriented towards adolescent girls.

 

Key words: Mobile phone, sexo-reproductive health, improved perception, randomization.

Abbreviation

ABBREVIATIONS: ASRH, Adolescent sexo-reproductive health; CONSORT, Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials; DS-RHNAG, determinants of ¨Sexo-Reproductive¨ Health Needs of Adolescent Girls; HIV, Human Immune Deficiency Virus; KWHD, Kumbo West Health District; MASHS, Mobile Adolescent Sexo-Reproductive Health Scheme; SPIRIT, Standard Protocol Items, Recommendations for interventional Trials; SMS, Short Message Service; SRH, Sexo-Reproductive Health; SPSS, Statistical Package for Social Sciences; WHO, World Health Organization; WMA, World Medical Association.

 

Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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