Sunscreen Adherence

Research Objective:
The aim of this trial is to assess the effect of text-message reminders delivered via cell phone on adherence to sunscreen application.

Drivers:
Given the rapid and broad adoption of texting, now a favored communication medium for millions of Americans, researchers at the Center for Connected Health were interested in assessing the potential of SMS technology to drive health-related behavior modification.

Building on the Center's work in dermatology, researchers chose sunscreen adherence as their model. While skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. and sunscreen is widely recommended to protect against excessive exposure, only about 25 percent of U.S. adults use topical agents regularly.

Program Overview:
The Center conducted a randomized trial to assess the effect of text-message reminders delivered via cell phone on adherence to sunscreen application. Using an electronic monitor to accurately measure usage of sunscreen, researchers found that at the end of six weeks adherence rates for the reminder group were almost double that of the control group who did not receive reminder texts, 56 versus 30 percent. The study suggests that existing SMS technology offers a low-cost and effective method of improving treatment adherence.

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