Exploring the Feasibility of Text Messaging in Building Healthy Relationships in College Students

Constantino, Rose E.

Tuesday, 23 July 2013: 4:10 PM

Rose E. Constantino, RN, BSN, MN, JD, PhD, FAAN, FACFE¹
Betty Braxter, PhD, RN, CNM²
Joseph Burroughs³
Dominique de la Cruz¹
(1)Department of Health and Community Systems, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA
(2)School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
(3)Health and Community Systems, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA

Learning Objective 1: Utilize text messaging to reduce the number or prevent new cases of relationship violence among women.

Learning Objective 2: Delineate the critical characteristics of relationship violence among women through text messaging.

Purpose: Young women entering college seek intimate relationships to balance boredom, belongingness and schoolwork. However, intimate relationships in a college campus have potential for Relationship Violence (RV). The purpose of this research is to explore the feasibility of Text Messaging Intervention (TMI) in building healthy intimate relationships and prevent RV among young people.

Methods: Disruptive Innovations (DI) as our conceptual framework is an intentionally and deliberately developed product or service that enters as a common activity (texting) and offers an inexpensive service that disrupts or prevent the risk of being in a violent intimate relationship. Our specific aim is to evaluate text messaging as effective communication and dissemination tool. Our research questions are: Will TMI 1) increase participants’ awareness of potential RV behavior in a relationship? 2) improve participants’ knowledge of the warning signs of RV? and 3) improve participants’ knowledge of actions to take to prevent RV? A mixed methods design was used to examine the effectiveness of text messaging. We recruited 20 participants. Twenty student-researcher-developed text messages comprise the TMI, delivered to 20 female college students. A Pre TMI and Post TMI Survey was completed by participants. One-way ANOVA, Chi-square test or other nonparametric statistical procedures was used as appropriate to analyze quantitative data. Analysis of the qualitative portion of the survey used the process of corroboration to ensure consistency and guard against bias.

Results: TMI is an acceptable and feasible method of informaing young men and women of the signs of developing RV, consequences of RV. A detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis will be performed and completed soon.

Conclusions: TMI is an acceptable and feasible method of informaing young men and women of the signs of developing RV, consequences of RV, and strategies to prevent RV. Because texting is the most common mode of communication globally even is developing countires, it behooves exploring and evaluating the comparative effectiveness of TMI and technology in general in enhancing evidence-based practice.

See more of: Using Technology to Enhance Quality of Life in Young Adults
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