Background: In Japan, employed men younger than 40 years are not eligible for specific health guidance, and evidence regarding obesity interventions targeting this population is limited. Furthermore, due to the shortage of human resources in occupational health settings, a need has arisen for simple and implementable support methods. Support via SMS text message is expected to be a low-cost and scalable method for health guidance; however, its effectiveness in this target population has not been sufficiently evaluated. Objective: This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to assessed the #feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an SMS #TextMessaging #mhealth intervention among employed men younger than 40 years with obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m²). Methods: An unblinded randomized controlled trial was conducted with 35 participants (intervention group, n=17; control group, n=18). The intervention group received one-way SMS #TextMessaging #mhealth based on behavior change techniques targeting diet and physical activity, delivered 3 times per week for 12 weeks (36 messages total). The control group received a pamphlet and a self-monitoring record sheet at baseline. The primary outcome was the proportion achieving ≥3% weight loss. Secondary outcomes included BMI, waist circumference, and psychological and behavioral measures. #feasibility and acceptability were also assessed. Results: The proportion achieving ≥3% weight loss was 23.5% (4/17) in the intervention group and 5.6% (1/18) in the control group (=.18; odds ratio 5.23). Waist circumference significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to baseline (=2.71, 02), whereas no significant between-group differences were observed in weight, BMI, or psychological measures. The SMS delivery rate was 95.5%, with a total cost of JP¥ 15,264 over 12 weeks. The follow-up rate was 100%, and the ratings for satisfaction, utilization, and willingness to recommend were 3.5, 2.8, and 3.0 out of 5, respectively. Conclusions: The findings support the #feasibility and acceptability of an SMS #TextMessaging #mhealth intervention for health guidance among employed men younger than 40 years with obesity, although evidence of its effectiveness remains preliminary. Further research with larger samples is needed to evaluate its effectiveness and optimize the intervention. Trial Registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) UMIN000054203; https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000061484

Background: In Vietnam, an upper-middle-income country, the majority of people living with HIV smoke. Vietnam has established quitline services to support this population, but they remain underused. #TextMessaging #mhealth is widely used in Vietnam, and studies in other countries have shown that #TextMessaging #mhealth interventions can promote smoking cessation. Our goal was to conduct a formative study to inform the development of a #TextMessaging #mhealth intervention to increase access to quitline services and promote smoking cessation among people living with HIV who smoke in Vietnam. Objective: This study aimed to identify factors influencing smoking behaviors among people living with HIV in Vietnam through qualitative interviews to inform a tailored #TextMessaging #mhealth intervention. Methods: In October 2022, study staff conducted 30- to 45-minute qualitative interviews with 20 people living with HIV from clinics in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces, Vietnam. Interviews explored factors that influenced smoking, such as substance use, mental health, HIV stigma, social context, and health. A rapid qualitative analysis approach was used to synthesize themes from the data, including identifying key domains based on prior literature, developing a semistructured interview guide, and organizing data within domains to support iterative theme development. These interviews were used to develop prompts to guide people living with HIV who smoke in writing peer messages for a #TextMessaging #mhealth intervention. Results: Across 6 themes, participants described smoking as part of their everyday lives, shaped by social situations, stress, alcohol use, and their experiences living with HIV. Social smoking and early initiation were important influences on smoking behaviors, whereas financial concerns and protecting family members and others from secondhand smoke promoted cessation. Some participants used smoking to cope, whereas others wished to quit for better health. HIV stigma was a major contributor to smoking, with many participants describing increased smoking after diagnosis. Participants suggested that cessation support should be better tailored to their needs. Conclusions: Smoking behaviors among people living with HIV are shaped by overlapping influences, including societal norms, mental health, HIV-related stigma, and other structural stressors. An understanding of these overlapping factors can inform the development of text-based interventions that offer effective cessation support tailored to this population. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05863923; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05863923

The lock symbol next to text messages on your smartphone means the conversations are end-to-end encrypted. That makes it harder for hackers to eavesdrop.

Learn how to leverage audio messages in the Strive call tool to inspire supporters and share important info on your nonprofit program

Communication is one of the most crucial elements in maintaining strong customer relationships. Yet many businesses are still stuck in the days of phone menus and putting people on hold for hours. Increasingly, texting is emerging as a powerful alternative. One recent study found that texting has now surpassed phone calls as the way consumers […] The post How Business Text Messaging Software Can Help You Improve Customer Relationships first appeared on Flowster.

Attorney-General Tara Cheyne has defended Opposition Leader Mark Parton after he sent a text message during a parliamentary hearing that included the phrase 'f--- my job is boring'. Cheyne stated that the message did not interfere with Parton's official duties and emphasized that sex work is a legitimate profession. Parton denied sending the message to a sex worker but admitted to sending the text during a budget estimates hearing. The controversy arose after an image of the text was shared online, sparking public debate. Cheyne argued that the message was a reflection of the demanding nature of political work, noting that politicians are expected to be available 24/7. She questioned whether sending such a message to a sex worker would have received the same attention if directed at other professions. The incident highlights ongoing discussions about workplace conduct and the boundaries of political communication in Australia. Parton's team has called the allegations politically motivated, while authorities have confirmed they are investigating the matter. The case underscores the challenges of balancing personal expression with professional responsibilities in public office.

US officials urge citizens to use encrypted messaging and calls wherever they can—here’s what you need to know.

With the arrival of Rich Communication Services (RCS) on iPhone last year, the experience of texting from iOS to Android improved dramatically. As Apple says on its website, RCS supports delivery receipts,...

Macworld My 20-year-old didn’t like that when they typed “excited” in a text message on their iPhone, iOS automatically seemed to apply a Ripple effect, part of the set of somewhat pointless Text...

Text spam on Google Messages is about to get a whole lot less frequent.