Tailoring health-related materials is an effective mechanism to encourage behavior change; however, little research has described processes and critical characteristics for effective tailoring in underserved populations. The purpose of this study is to describe a process using input from content experts and lay patient advisors to tailor text messages focused on improving self-care behaviors of African-American adults with diabetes and identify characteristics of messages perceived to be most effective. An initial library of tailorable messages was created using theory-based approaches, expert opinion, and publicly available materials. A study-specific advisory council representing the program's intended population provided sequential individual and focus group review of a sample of draft messages focused on medication use, healthy eating, and physical activity. Messages were reviewed for content, tone, and applicability to African-American adults with diabetes from underserved communities. Based on this feedback, messages were revised and a final library of tailorable messages was constructed for use in a text messaging intervention. The initial library had over 5,000 tailorable messages. Participants preferred messages that included: (1) encouraging statements without condescension; (2) short sentences in lay language; (3) specific, actionable instructions; and (4) content relatable to daily activities of living. When possible, messages with similar themes should be repeated over short periods of time to improve the odds of material being absorbed and action being taken. Input from patient participants and advisors is essential for designing deeply tailored messages that honor the preferences, values, and norms of the population under study and promote health behavior change.
Trial registration: NCT02957513.
Keywords: Behavioral theory; Diabetes; Disparities; Tailoring; Underserved; mHealth.
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