Table 3:

Sample of tailored text messages based on responses to the Health Belief Scales.

Medication Adherence
Benefit question: If I take my water pills, I will lower my chance of being in the hospital. Patient Response: Strongly Disagree (1), Disagree (2), or Undecided (3)	Barrier question: Taking water pills makes it hard to go away from home. Patient Response: Undecided (3), Agree (4), or Strongly Agree (5).
Text Message: Taking medications as your doctor or nurse tells you to, can help remove extra water from your body and can lessen your chance of being hospitalized.	Text Message: Taking water pills can make it hard to go away from home. One option is to take it several hours before you plan to go out or wait until after you return to take it
Low-sodium Diet
Benefit question: Eating a low salt diet will keep my heart healthy. Patient Response: Strongly Disagree (1), Disagree (2), or Undecided (3)	Barrier question: Food does not taste good on the low salt diet. Patient Response: Undecided (3), Agree (4), or Strongly Agree (5).
Text Message: Sodium in salt acts like a sponge. It holds extra fluid in the body making the heart work harder. Cutting down on sodium is one of the most important parts of your treatment.	Text Message: You can flavor your food without using salt. You can use a salt substitute or other seasonings like pepper, lemon juice, garlic/onion powder, and basil. Talk to your doctor or nurse before using a salt substitute
Self-Monitoring
Benefit question: If I weigh myself every day, I will lower my chance of being in the hospital. Patient Response: Strongly Disagree (1), Disagree (2), or Undecided (3)	Barrier question: I do not know how to check my feet and legs for swelling. Patient Response: Undecided (3), Agree (4), or Strongly Agree (5).
Text Message: Weighing yourself every day can lower your chance of being in the hospital. One reason for going to the hospital is because of fluid building up in your body.	Text Message: Use your thumb to push the skin on top of your foot or shin. Release your thumb and look and feel for indentation, a sign of swelling. Do the same for your other foot and leg. Tell your doctor or nurse if you find any swelling.