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Table 2 Text messaging challenges to consider in the intervention

From: Development of a diabetes self-management + mHealth program: tailoring the intervention for a pilot study in a low-income setting in Mexico

Challenge

Recommendation

Access to cell phones—may not have a cellphone or may not be able to receive text and picture messages

Provide booklet with all daily text messages

Ability to use text messages—may not know how to use text messaging or download image

Assess the technology focus group

Provide education on how to use text messages on their cell phone upon enrollment to study

Comprehension of messages—may have low reading ability

Text messages at 3rd–4th grade reading level

Use images for the majority of text messages

Use colloquial language

Interest in messages over time—may lose interest, stop checking messages, or get annoyed at messages telling them what to do

Have illustrations be empowering and uplifting

Use encouraging vs. prescriptive language