Delivering Health Information to Parents via a Theory-Informed SMS-Based Intervention: Development and Results from a Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION

Short message service (SMS), or text-based, health interventions offer a promising opportunity to deliver health education and have been shown to improve diet and exercise. However, few are theory-based or target low-income parents. This pilot study, informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), primarily sought to determine if health education delivered via SMS was feasible and acceptable to low-income parents of young children.

METHODS

Using a one-group, pre- to post-test study design to assess a 12-week SMS-based health education program, parents enrolled in a health-related program at an early childhood development center for low-income families were sent three text messages per week that corresponded to a weekly diet or physical activity-related theme. Surveys assessed pre-post changes in TPB constructs and collected program feedback.

RESULTS

Among the 119 eligible parents invited to participate, 109 were sent all text messages for the duration of the study. Participants were mostly Black (98.9%), 25-39 years old (83.9%), female (93.8%), and in single-parent households (63.8%). More than half (n = 59) completed the pre-survey, answered a bi-directional program text, or completed the post-survey. Twelve participants completed both the pre- and post-survey and at least one bi-directional text. Post-survey results revealed that most participants liked the program design and enjoyed their experience with the program.

CONCLUSIONS

SMS-based interventions can simplify delivery of health information to low-income parents of young children. Although engagement was low, retention was high, and feedback was largely positive.

Dosimetry of beta-ray ophthalmic applicators: comparison of different measurement methods

An international intercomparison of the dosimetry of three beta particle emitting ophthalmic applicators was performed, which involved measurements with radiochromic film, thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs), alanine pellets, plastic scintillators, extrapolation ionization chambers, a small fixed-volume ionization chambers, a diode detector and a diamond detector. The sources studied were planar applicators of 90Sr-90Y and 106Ru-106Rh, and a concave applicator of 106Ru-106Rh. Comparisons were made of absolute dosimetry determined at 1 mm from the source surface in water or water-equivalent plastic, and relative dosimetry along and perpendicular to the source axes. The results of the intercomparison indicate that the various methods yield consistent absolute dosimetry results at the level of 10%-14% (one standard deviation) depending on the source. For relative dosimetry along the source axis at depths of 5 mm or less, the agreement was 3%-9% (one standard deviation) depending on the source and the depth. Crucial to the proper interpretation of the measurement results is an accurate knowledge of the detector geometry, i.e., sensitive volume and amount of insensitive covering material. From the results of these measurements, functions which describe the relative dose rate along and perpendicular to the source axes are suggested.

Selective detection of nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and constant neutral loss scanning

The development of a method for selective detection of nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAHs) among other polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) is described. The method is based on electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), performed with a triple quadrupole analyzer and constant neutral loss (CNL) scanning. When subjected to ESI conditions, nitro-PAHs give rise to M(-), [M - H](-) and [M - H + 16](-) ions, which in turn produce fragments by losing 30 u, most probably NO. Other PACs do not undergo such fragmentations, and these differences can be exploited for selective detection of nitro-PAHs among other PACs. Nitro-PAHs can therefore be monitored through the loss of 30 u occurring under negative ion mode ESI conditions. Toward the full development of a screening method for nitro-PAHs, this article first discusses some general aspects of the negative ion mode full-scan ESI mass spectra obtained for these compounds and other PAH derivatives. Because the extent of observation of the loss of 30 u is sensitive to the ESI conditions used, the effects of ionization parameters such as solvent used, declustering voltage, and solvent flow rate are evaluated and discussed. Setting these parameters is very important, especially when interfacing a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system with the ESI source of a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Preliminary results of on-line microbore HPLC/ESI-MS separations of PAC standards are presented, and elution/ionization conditions discussed.

Calibration of the NPL secondary standard radionuclide calibrator for 192Ir brachytherapy sources

Safe and effective treatment with brachytherapy sources requires an accurate knowledge of the local tissue absorbed dose rate derived from the source reference air kerma rate. It is desirable that these air kerma rate measurements be traceable to national standards. The NPL has embarked on a programme that will enable the user to assay brachytherapy sources in a convenient manner prior to treatment. Calibration figures have been derived for the NPL secondary standard radionuclide calibrator for 192Ir brachytherapy sources manufactured by Amersham International plc. The calibration figures enable the user to accurately estimate the reference air kerma rate and activity of such sources by measuring the ionization chamber response. Calibration figures for other brachytherapy sources are also being derived.

Ultraviolet effects on visual acuity in pseudophakia

Two experiments investigated visual acuity deficits in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) light after implantation of an acrylic intraocular lens (IOL). In Experiment 1, six pseudophakes exhibited a statistically significant acuity decrement of 0.5 min arc or about one line on an eye chart illuminated by light having an UV component. In Experiment 2, the vernier acuity of six pseudophakic observers decreased by 0.6 min arc, but the vernier acuity of six phakic observers, with crystalline lenses intact, was not affected significantly by UV illumination. Both experiments provide evidence that UV light decreases pseudophakic visual acuity, perhaps by chromatic aberration. These results suggest that including UV filters in IOL's could permit pseudophakic observers to use their vision more effectively.