The effect of implementing an SMS messaging system to overcome the lack of transmission of HPV facts in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the leading cause of cervical cancer, which kills hundreds of thousands of women around the world. Facts about HPV exist, yet there is a lack of knowledge about it among women who need to know. One factor that limits the spread of knowledge is that HPV is marked by stigma. Another factor is language barriers. The main aim of this research is to develop and implement a "theory of the solution" (Markus, 2014). The solution designed involves a 2-way interactive messaging system, directed by an HPVWA flowchart, to increase and maintain women's self-efficacy to educate themselves about HPV. The system is one possible solution to the problem of the lack of transmission of HPV facts. 34 Saudi women participated in the research. Its results indicate that using an SMS messaging system is an effective method to use to increase and maintain women's self-efficacy.