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U.S. researchers are evaluating text messaging as a tool to help teen patients follow prescribed medication regimens that aim to control chronic disease, the Associated Press reports. Although research is limited, some studies suggest that teenage and adolescent patients have difficulty properly following treatment protocols, with research indicating that as few as 30 percent of teens with asthma correctly take their prevention medication. Noting the low adherence rate among her asthma patients, one physician at Cincinnati Children's Hospital has launched a study to evaluate whether a daily medication reminder sent via text message can improve adolescents' asthma control. Under the pilot study, which will expand later this year, participants select a time to receive a recurring text message reminder sent by a clinic volunteer. Officials note that, if the study is successful, it may serve as a framework for similar efforts targeting other chronic diseases. Meanwhile, other Cincinnati-area clinicians are investigating tactics to improve treatment compliance for adolescents, such as whether parent-teen brainstorming sessions and peer guidance can increase treatment compliance among adolescent leukemia survivors. Cincinnati-based researchers also are joining with the University of Miami and the Nemours Clinic in Wilmington, Del., to use National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding to track patients ages 9 to 11 and their families over three years to identify factors that influence non-compliance with type 1 diabetes management. In light of the limited but alarming data suggesting the low medication adherence rate among adolescent patients, the NIH in September also will host a conference to encourage specialists to discuss solutions (Neergaard, AP/USA Today, 5/12/08).