This randomized trial tested whether a digital health program could help emergency department patients with at least one risky health behavior. The study included 572 adults aged 18 to 65 in Hong Kong who were triaged as semi-urgent or non-urgent and had smartphone access. One group received brief telephone advice only. The other group received a theory-based phone session plus weekly messages on WhatsApp or WeChat for six months.
At six months, 30.1% of the message group reported stopping at least one risky behavior, compared with 19.9% of the advice-only group. The message group also showed greater reductions in the number of risky behaviors at six months and at twelve months. Physical inactivity improved for 31.7% of the message group versus 16.2% of the advice-only group at six months.
The study has important limits. All outcomes were self-reported, so people may have overestimated their progress. It was done at a single hospital in Hong Kong, so results may not apply everywhere. Some participants were lost to follow-up. The benefits also weakened after the weekly messages stopped.
This suggests that ongoing digital support after an ER visit may help some people make healthier choices, but it is not a proven cure and may not work the same way for everyone. Talk with your doctor about the best approach for your situation.
Common questions
How many people did the text message program help?
At six months, 30.1% of people who got the messages reported stopping at least one risky behavior, compared with 19.9% of those who only got brief phone advice. That means about 1 in 3 in the message group saw this benefit, versus about 1 in 5 in the advice-only group.
What kinds of risky behaviors were studied?
The study looked at general health-risk behaviors, including tobacco use and alcohol use. Physical inactivity was also tracked. The program aimed to help people reduce or stop at least one of these behaviors, not necessarily all of them.
Did the benefits last after the messages stopped?
The main benefit was seen at six months, while the weekly messages were still being sent. The study notes that effects weakened after the booster messaging stopped. At twelve months, some reduction in risky behaviors remained, but the short-term advantage was stronger.
Were there any side effects from the program?
The study did not report any side effects, serious adverse events, or dropouts due to the program. The main concerns were about the study design, not safety. Because outcomes were self-reported and the study was done at one hospital, the results should be interpreted with caution.
Who might this program help most?
The study included adults aged 18 to 65 who came to an emergency department with a semi-urgent or non-urgent issue, had at least one risky health behavior, and had smartphone access. It is not clear if the same results would apply to other groups or settings. Ask your doctor if a similar program could be right for you.
