WHAT REMINDERS DO PROBATIONERS WANT TO ASSIST WITH PROBATION AND TREATMENT GOALS?

Purpose (a): The development of new web-based interventions provide increased opportunities for delivering text or email reminders around health behavior goals. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of text messaging and email reminders to assist probationers in reaching probation and substance abuse treatment goals.

Methods (b): Sample consists of probationers (n=49) in Dallas and Baltimore participating in a randomized controlled trial of in person vs. computer interventions to increase probation compliance. Data from the computer arm were analyzed to determine probationer preference on goal content, timing and reminder method (text, email, or none). Reminder preferences were analyzed according to gender, risk level, age and ethnicity.

Results (c): Overall, probationers set an average of 3.80 goals between probation-related (M=1.94, SD=1.03) and treatment-related (M=1.86, SD=1.21) goals. When given the option for electronic reminders, 47% (n=23) opted for no reminder, 24% (n=12) selected email reminder and 29% (n=14) selected text message reminder. Sixty percent of participants over age 35 selected electronic reminders compared to only 46% of those 35 and under. Low-moderate risk offenders (65%) were more willing to select electronic reminders than high risk offenders (35%) but there was no difference in the number of goals selected, (M=3.78, SD=2.06) and (M=3.81, SD=1.91) respectively.

Conclusions (d): Persuasive technologies have not been utilized within a criminal justice sample. The use of electronic messaging provides a promising avenue for future behavioral change interventions. Information about probationer preferences for goal reminders, the method of delivery, and timing may help to increase the effectiveness of these interventions.