Authors :
Benedicto Luvanda
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 10 - October
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/2aardfdk
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/5t223ksn
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10090352
Abstract :
Given the relevance of mobile phone text messages in today's technologically advanced society, this study examines
the of effectiveness of mobile phone text messages in increasing uptake of Voluntary Medical male circumcision (VMMC)
service in Shinyanga region. The study also attempts to access what makes mobile phones text messages effective and how
they impact target audience A telephone based focus group discussion interviews and contents analysis were used to collect
data to know if mobile phone text messages contributed in increased uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision
among sexually active adult men aged between 19-49 in Shinyanga region, to learn what was communicated through text
messages and how text messages recipients changed their perception toward VMMC after receiving text messages
Research findings show that text messages were not only providing information but they were also providing motivation
and helping to address structural barriers which were limiting people from accessing the service hence increasing service
uptake. While this study acknowledges again the effectiveness of mobile phone text messages in increasing uptake of
voluntary medical male circumcision, it shows how important it is for text messages to address real challenges and for the
text messages to address real challenges baseline assessment is important. There is a need for further studies to focus on
comparing knowledge and altitude between those who received text messages and those who did not. Response from focus
group discussion, and interviews makes it interesting to involve others from the same community who were not receiving
text messages.
Given the relevance of mobile phone text messages in today's technologically advanced society, this study examines
the of effectiveness of mobile phone text messages in increasing uptake of Voluntary Medical male circumcision (VMMC)
service in Shinyanga region. The study also attempts to access what makes mobile phones text messages effective and how
they impact target audience A telephone based focus group discussion interviews and contents analysis were used to collect
data to know if mobile phone text messages contributed in increased uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision
among sexually active adult men aged between 19-49 in Shinyanga region, to learn what was communicated through text
messages and how text messages recipients changed their perception toward VMMC after receiving text messages
Research findings show that text messages were not only providing information but they were also providing motivation
and helping to address structural barriers which were limiting people from accessing the service hence increasing service
uptake. While this study acknowledges again the effectiveness of mobile phone text messages in increasing uptake of
voluntary medical male circumcision, it shows how important it is for text messages to address real challenges and for the
text messages to address real challenges baseline assessment is important. There is a need for further studies to focus on
comparing knowledge and altitude between those who received text messages and those who did not. Response from focus
group discussion, and interviews makes it interesting to involve others from the same community who were not receiving
text messages.
