A Trial Assessing the Effectiveness of Text Messages in Improving Continuation of Birth Control

This study is a randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness in a series of educational text messages in improving continuation of a birth control method in comparison to the 'standard counseling', when girls initiate a new method of birth control. Girls aged 15-19 year olds who are attending for a reproductive health visit and who own a working cell phone will be approached and asked if they would like to participate. Following completion of a baseline questionnaire and consultation for initiation of a new birth control method they will be randomized to receive either the intervention or standard counseling. If randomized to the intervention they will receive 3 messages per week for the initial 3 weeks, 2 messages per week for the following 5 weeks and then one message per week thereafter. Messages will be tailored to the birth control method the participant has initiated. At 4 months all participants will be contacted via telephone and asked to complete a questionnaire regarding continuation of use.