‘SMS’ for mental health – Feasibility and acceptability of using text messages for mental health promotion among young women from urban low income settings in India

• Use of mobile phone text messages for mental health promotion was assessed.
• Young women from urban slums are participated in the study.
• Majority of them found the method acceptable and many called back when in distress.
• Having a female counselor respond to their text messages or calls made the women feel supported.
• Participants did not report any problems related to confidentiality or objections from the family.

ObjectiveThe current study assesses the acceptability and feasibility of mobile text messages for promoting positive mental health and as a helpline among young women in urban slums of Bangalore.MethodologyForty girls in the age range of 16–18 years from urban slums received messages every day for a month. They could call or message back or give a ‘missed call’ to the same number whenever they had emotional problems or felt like talking to a counselor. The received responses in the form of return texts, missed calls and return phone calls were recorded. Feedback about the feasibility and acceptability of the mobile messages was collected after a month.Results25 out of 40 (62.5%) participants called back, asking for mental health services and to say they felt good about the messages. 23 of 40 (57.5%) messaged back regarding their feelings. 62% reported that they felt supported with the mental health messages. Male family members of nearly half of the participants called back to check the authenticity of the source. Most women did not face any problems because of the messages.ConclusionThis pilot qualitative study indicates that mobile text messages are a feasible and culturally acceptable method for mental health promotion and prevention among young women from urban slums in India. Issues such as consent from the woman and family, ensuring confidentiality and providing authentic and reliable support services, need to be taken into account before attempting to scale up such a service, particularly in vulnerable groups.