Young people aged 16 to 29 were recruited at the Big Day Out (BDO) music festival where they completed a baseline survey and signed up for the study. Half of the participants were randomised into an intervention group, and received periodic email and SMS messages about safe sex. The other half formed the control group and did not receive these messages. The intervention was ongoing for 12 months after the BDO, with repeat surveys conducted at three, six, 12 and 18 months.
The results of the trial showed that the people in the intervention group (those who received messages) had much higher knowledge than those in the control group (those who didn’t receive messages). Females in the intervention group were also more likely to have a STI test. This shows that email and SMS are simple, low cost interventions which are effective in improving young people’s sexual health.
A second study aimed to use SMS to reach a large group of young people potentially at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
In January 2008, 2,377 young people aged 16 to 29 were recruited from the Melbourne Big Day Out. A total of 1,995 participants provided a valid mobile number and received fortnightly text messages relating to sexual health and safer sex.
- Twelve SMS text messages were sent over a five month period
- Three hundred and fifty one (17.6%) withdrew from receiving the SMS during this time period
- Six hundred and seventy six (41.1%) of those eligible completed the online follow-up survey
- Eight focus groups were conducted with participants to further evaluate the project.
The results received were very encouraging – there was a significant increase in STI knowledge and testing after receiving the series of SMS messages. Focus groups reported that they liked receiving the SMS, which acted as a useful reminder and reduced the perceived barriers to STI testing.
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