Providing Youth with Access to Reproductive Health Information
From Shareideas
Using SEXINFO, young people in San Francisco, USA can text a simple message to obtain information and referral services concerning a variety of reproductive health issues, including sexually transmitted diseases, birth control, and how to effectively communicate with a partner.
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Story
How do you reach young people who are often reluctant to go to adults to ask questions related to sexuality and their reproductive health? In San Francisco, USA, a new text messaging service offers youth a private and discrete means of obtaining reliable information on everything from what to do if a condom breaks to how to overcome pressure from a partner to have sex.
Youth text the word “sexinfo” to one of two numbers set up by ISIS, Inc., a non-profit based in the Bay Area. There is a 10-digit number for MetroPCS subscribers (917 957-4280) and a 5-digit short code for all others network providers (61827). Within seconds SEXINFO users receive a response asking them to choose a subject they wish to explore from a list of possible options. Among those issues addressed through the service are relationship abuse, depression, what to do if you think you’re pregnant, and how to avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
The service, which targets 12- to 24-year-olds, was established in response to growing rates of sexually transmitted diseases among minority youth in San Francisco. Adapted from a similar program in the UK, it capitalizes on the popularity of text messaging among youth.
Informational messages are written in a way that appeals to youth, for example, “it’s ur choice to have sex or not get informed before u decide.” Each response includes the contact information of a service agency(ies) specializing in that particular issue, which a young person can call/visit for additional information.
How it was done
The content of Sex Info was developed by health educators at I.S.I.S., Inc., a nonprofit organization that uses Internet technologies to prevent disease transmission. Focus groups were held with youth in San Francisco to test knowledge about risks and concept of the program. An advisory board of youth, professionals who work with youth, clinicians, and other community members was convened. The pilot project was funded by the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Division of STD Prevention and Control. Additional funding for marketing, evaluation, and expansion has been provided by private foundations.
Young people find out about the services through ads and posters in bus shelters in the target neighborhoods, palm-sized cards distributed in the public schools, and safer sex packages distributed at youth-oriented events. Public service announcements have run on local radio stations and there was extensive local and national press coverage when the project launched. Preliminary evaluation surveys measuring awareness of the service both in the referral clinics and on the street have been done.
Technology used
Internet
