Risks and Benefits of Text-Message-Delivered and Small-Group-Delivered Sexual Health Interventions Among African American Women in the Midwestern United States

Abstract

Interventions to decrease acquisition and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases among African American women using text messages versus small-group delivery modalities pose distinct research risks and benefits. Determining the relative risk–benefit ratio of studies using these different modalities has relied on the expertise of investigators and their institutional review boards. In this study, African American women participated in focus groups and surveys to elicit and compare risks and benefits inherent in these two intervention delivery modalities, focusing on issues such as convenience, privacy, and stigma of participation. Some risk/benefit variables were implicated in willingness to participate the two intervention modalities.

Keywords:

• sexual health interventions
• HIV/STIs
• text messaging
• mHealth
• risk/benefit assessment

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank Jill Owczarzak for her help with developing materials. We would also like to thank Irmine Reitl, Otilio Oyervides, and the rest of the staff at the Keenan Health Center. Finally, we would like to thank all our participants.