DNP Scholarly Projects
Abstract
Enhancing Engagement in Cardiovascular Risk-Reducing Behaviors Through Motivational Text Messaging (MTM) in an Underserved Population of Memphis, Tennessee
Date
2025
First Advisor
Laura Gray, PhD, RN
Second Advisor
David Phillippi, PhD
Scholarly Project Team Member
Anna Lee Rhea BSN, RN
Department
Nursing, School of
College
Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of
Document Type
Poster
Degree
Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Degree Level
Doctoral
Degree Grantor
Belmont University
Keywords
Motivational Text Messaging; Cardiovascular Health; Underserved Communities; African American; Health Behavior Change; Digital Health Intervention; Quality Improvement; Lifestyle Modification; Physical Activity; Healthy Eating
Recommended Citation
Dao, Lindsey H., "Enhancing Engagement in Cardiovascular Risk-Reducing Behaviors Through Motivational Text Messaging (MTM) in an Underserved Population of Memphis, Tennessee" (2025). DNP Scholarly Projects. 122.
https://repository.belmont.edu/dnpscholarlyprojects/122
Comments
Background & Problem: Cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects African American adults, particularly those living in medically underserved communities such as Shelby County, Memphis, Tennessee. Sixteen percent of adults in the county have type 2 diabetes, 41.5% have hypertension, and fewer than 30% have seen a primary care provider in the past year. Limited access to preventive services and lifestyle education contributes to persistent disparities in cardiovascular risk. Motivational text messaging (MTM) has emerged as a low-cost digital strategy capable of improving engagement and supporting behavior change; however, its use in community-based settings remains limited.
Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of a 3-week Motivational Text Messaging intervention on self-reported physical activity and dietary behaviors among adults served by two University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Health Hubs in Shelby County.
Project Design: This quality improvement project utilized a post-intervention evaluation design. A convenience sample of 22 African American adults enrolled in a 3-week MTM program delivering culturally tailored motivational text messages promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and motivation for behavior change. Messages were adapted from a prior UTHSC text library and tailored to reflect cultural and community context. Post-intervention data were collected using an electronic survey assessing engagement, perceived behavior change, satisfaction, and message preferences (time and frequency).
Outcomes: Eleven participants completed the survey (50% response rate). All respondents reported reading most or all messages, 64% reported increased physical activity and/or healthier eating, and 91% expressed interest in continuing to receive MTMs. Morning delivery (8–11 AM) was the preferred message time, and participants showed mixed preferences regarding message frequency. Qualitative feedback, primarily from participants reporting no or uncertain behavior change, suggested interest in expanding message variety to include healthy recipes, aging-related health guidance, and nutrition education.
Conclusion: Findings demonstrate that motivational text messaging is a feasible, low-cost, and well-received strategy to encourage healthy behaviors in underserved communities. High engagement and strong interest in program continuation suggest that MTMs may serve as a sustainable adjunct to community-based health programs such as the UTHSC Health Hubs. Integrating MTMs into routine wellness initiatives may enhance health education delivery, support cardiovascular risk reduction, and advance health equity.