Table 4.
HIV and general health messages and associated health belief model construct
| Week | Message number | Message | Purpose | HBM constructs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Hi xxxxxxxxxx! Welcome to Health4U! You’ll get text messages for 12 weeks. Thanks! African Institute H4U | Welcome | |
| 1 | 2 | HIV is a virus which attacks the body. You can have it but not have symptoms. Without treatment you may develop AIDS. Visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/HIV/ | HIV: Information on virus | PSus |
| 1 | 3 | Stress is normal; why not try Nelson Mandela’s advice for dealing with life’s ups and downs? “Tread softly, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically” | General Health: Stress | |
| 2 | 4 | “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food”. Why not try nuts, beans & whole grains as healthy snacks? | General Health: Diet | |
| 2 | 5 | Did you know that 3.8 % of Africans living in Nottingham have HIV? Knowledge is power – respect your body, protect your community and get tested. | HIV: Prevalence | PSev, SE, CTA |
| 2 | 5 (2nd option) | HIV can affect anyone. Latest statistics show HIV is rising in Muslim communities. Protect your community and get an HIV test. | HIV: Prevalence | PSus, CTA |
| 3 | 6 | A word of wisdom: “Wellness is a connection of paths: knowledge and action.” If you know you have a problem, don’t delay in seeking help. | General Health: Seek help | |
| 3 | 7 | HIV testing & treatment is free, confidential & anonymous for everyone! Visit http://nottingham.ac.uk/health4u for convenient places and times to get tested | HIV: Info on where to get tested | PBen, CTA |
| 4 | 8 | If you have HIV, the earlier you know, the sooner you can get treated. Get tested. It's free whatever your immigration status is. | HIV: Immigration | PBen, PBar, CTA |
| 4 | 9 | A person “who moves with each day is better than another who waits for luck”. Keep moving to keep fit! Anything helps: walking, dancing, even cleaning! | General Health: Exercise | |
| 5 | 10 | A word of wisdom: “Be the change you want to see in the world”. Encourage the ones you love to stay healthy. | General Health: Stay healthy | |
| 5 | 11 | Getting proper treatment soon after contracting HIV leads to a long and healthy life. Over half of Africans get diagnosed late – be on time & get a test! | HIV: Benefits of testing | PBen, PSev, CTA |
| 6 | 12 | “To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear”. Eat well & exercise to keep calm and focused. | General Health: Stress | |
| 6 | 13 | Did you know you can go online to order an HIV test that will be sent to your home? It’s free and private! Visit http://www.tht.org.uk/sexual-health | HIV: Postal kit | PBar, CTA |
| 7 | 14 | Lots of support is here for you if you have HIV. The NHS has a confidential HIV service & http://www.tht.org.uk has info on support groups in Nottingham. | HIV: Support | SE, PB |
| 7 | 15 | Proverb: “One who eats alone cannot discuss the taste of the food with others”. A diet low in sugar, salt and fats will keep you and your loved ones healthy. | General Health: Diet | |
| 8 | 16 | If u or ur partner had unsafe sex in the past, ur at risk of carrying HIV. Test early to protect u & people u care for. Visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/health4u | HIV: Protecting others, test info | PSus, CTA |
| 8 | 17 | African Proverb: “He who conceals his disease cannot expect to be cured”. If you are not feeling well, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. | General Health: Seek help | |
| 9 | 18 | “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver”. Be active! Try to do at least 2½ hours of moderate physical activity each week. | General Health: Exercise | |
| 9 | 19 | Feeling good? Make sure you stay healthy & well and get an HIV test. Not everyone with HIV gets symptoms but early treatment can keep you feeling fit. | HIV: Feeling good | SE, PSus, PSev, CTA |
| 10 | 20 | African proverb: “If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents”. Find out how to stay healthy & feeling well. Visit www.nhs.uk/change4life | General Health: Stay healthy | |
| 10 | 21 | Look after yourself & your partner: Get tested together for HIV! People with HIV can still have great relationships. Visit http://StartsWithMe.org.uk | HIV: Protecting your partner, test info | SE, CTA, PBen |
| 11 | 22 | Many people in Nottingham have HIV and don't know it. Even if you feel well, it’s good to get tested at least once per year. | HIV: Invisible diagnosis | PSus, CTA |
| 11 | 23 | Proverb: “A friend is someone you share the path with”. Life can be stressful. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. | General Health: Stress/seek help | |
| 12 | 24 | “Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend.” It’s important to look after your health. | General Health: Stay healthy | |
| 12 | 25 | Xxxxxxxxxx, thank you for taking part in Health4U! Health messages from us will now stop. Two more text messages will follow to ask your opinion on the project. | Thank you | |
| 12 | 26 | Have Health4U text messages inspired you to take action on health? Please reply YES if you have had an HIV test in the last 12 weeks & NO if not. | Did you get an HIV test? | |
| 12 | 27 | Was Health4U USEFUL for you? Please HELP our research by completing a short questionnaire. Visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/health4u. Thanks! African Institute H4U | Link to post-intervention survey | |
| 12 | 26 | Have Health4U text messages inspired you to take action on health? Please reply YES if you have had an HIV test in the last 12 weeks & NO if not. | Did you get an HIV test? | |
| 12 | 27 | Was Health4U USEFUL for you? Please HELP our research by completing a short questionnaire. Visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/health4u. Thanks! African Institute H4U | Link to post-intervention survey |
PSus perceived susceptibility
PSev perceived severity
PBen perceived benefits
PBar perceived barriers
CTA cue to action
SE self efficacy