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Youdom SW, Njinkui DN, Nguefack-Tsague G, Ateudjieu J. Missed Opportunities for Vaccination and Associated Factors among Children Aged 12 - 23 Months in Cameroon: Further Analyses of 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey. Health (London) 2022. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2022.1410077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Eze P, Lawani LO, Acharya Y. Short message service (SMS) reminders for childhood immunisation in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-005035. [PMID: 34290051 PMCID: PMC8296799 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Childhood vaccine delivery services in the low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are struggling to reach every child with lifesaving vaccines. Short message service (SMS) reminders have demonstrated positive impact on a number of attrition-prone healthcare delivery services. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of SMS reminders in improving immunisation coverage and timeliness in LMICs. Methods PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, CNKI, PsycINFO and Web of Science including grey literatures and Google Scholar were systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs that evaluated the effect of SMS reminders on childhood immunisation and timeliness in LMICs. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 assessment tool for RCTs and Cochrane Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Interventions tool for non-RCTs. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models to generate pooled estimates of risk ratio (RR). Results 18 studies, 13 RCTs and 5 non-RCTs involving 32 712 infants (17 135 in intervention groups and 15 577 in control groups) from 11 LMICs met inclusion criteria. Pooled estimates showed that SMS reminders significantly improved childhood immunisation coverage (RR=1.16; 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.21; I2=90.4%). Meta-analysis of 12 included studies involving 25 257 infants showed that SMS reminders significantly improved timely receipt of childhood vaccines (RR=1.21; 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.30; I2=87.3%). Subgroup analysis showed that SMS reminders are significantly more effective in raising childhood immunisation coverage in lower middle-income and low-income countries than in upper middle-income countries (p<0.001) and sending more than two SMS reminders significantly improves timely receipt of childhood vaccines than one or two SMS reminders (p=0.040). Conclusion Current evidence from LMICs, although with significant heterogeneity, suggests that SMS reminders can contribute to achieving high and timely childhood immunisation coverage. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021225843.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Eze
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lucky Osaheni Lawani
- Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yubraj Acharya
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Vasudevan L, Glenton C, Henschke N, Maayan N, Eyers J, Fønhus MS, Tamrat T, Mehl GL, Lewin S. Birth and death notification via mobile devices: a mixed methods systematic review. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 7:CD012909. [PMID: 34271590 PMCID: PMC8785898 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012909.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ministries of health, donors, and other decision-makers are exploring how they can use mobile technologies to acquire accurate and timely statistics on births and deaths. These stakeholders have called for evidence-based guidance on this topic. This review was carried out to support World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on digital interventions for health system strengthening. OBJECTIVES Primary objective: To assess the effects of birth notification and death notification via a mobile device, compared to standard practice. Secondary objectives: To describe the range of strategies used to implement birth and death notification via mobile devices and identify factors influencing the implementation of birth and death notification via mobile devices. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, the Global Health Library, and POPLINE (August 2, 2019). We searched two trial registries (August 2, 2019). We also searched Epistemonikos for related systematic reviews and potentially eligible primary studies (August 27, 2019). We conducted a grey literature search using mHealthevidence.org (August 15, 2017) and issued a call for papers through popular digital health communities of practice. Finally, we conducted citation searches of included studies in Web of Science and Google Scholar (May 15, 2020). We searched for studies published after 2000 in any language. SELECTION CRITERIA: For the primary objective, we included individual and cluster-randomised trials; cross-over and stepped-wedge study designs; controlled before-after studies, provided they have at least two intervention sites and two control sites; and interrupted time series studies. For the secondary objectives, we included any study design, either quantitative, qualitative, or descriptive, that aimed to describe current strategies for birth and death notification via mobile devices; or to explore factors that influence the implementation of these strategies, including studies of acceptability or feasibility. For the primary objective, we included studies that compared birth and death notification via mobile devices with standard practice. For the secondary objectives, we included studies of birth and death notification via mobile device as long as we could extract data relevant to our secondary objectives. We included studies of all cadres of healthcare providers, including lay health workers; administrative, managerial, and supervisory staff; focal individuals at the village or community level; children whose births were being notified and their parents/caregivers; and individuals whose deaths were being notified and their relatives/caregivers. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS For the primary objective, two authors independently screened all records, extracted data from the included studies and assessed risk of bias. For the analyses of the primary objective, we reported means and proportions, where appropriate. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the certainty of the evidence and we prepared a 'Summary of Findings' table. For the secondary objectives, two authors screened all records, one author extracted data from the included studies and assessed methodological limitations using the WEIRD tool and a second author checked the data and assessments. We carried out a framework analysis using the Supporting the Use of Research Evidence (SURE) framework to identify themes in the data. We used the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approach to assess our confidence in the evidence and we prepared a 'Summary of Qualitative Findings' table. MAIN RESULTS For the primary objective, we included one study, which used a controlled before-after study design. The study was conducted in Lao People's Democratic Republic and assessed the effect of using mobile devices for birth notification on outcomes related to coverage and timeliness of Hepatitis B vaccination. However, we are uncertain of the effect of this approach on these outcomes because the certainty of this evidence was assessed as very low. The included study did not assess resource use or unintended consequences. For the primary objective, we did not identify any studies using mobile devices for death notification. For the secondary objective, we included 21 studies. All studies were conducted in low- or middle-income settings. They focussed on identification of births and deaths in rural, remote, or marginalised populations who are typically under-represented in civil registration processes or traditionally seen as having poor access to health services. The review identified several factors that could influence the implementation of birth-death notification via mobile device. These factors were tied to the health system, the person responsible for notifying, the community and families; and include: - Geographic barriers that could prevent people's access to birth-death notification and post-notification services - Access to health workers and other notifiers with enough training, supervision, support, and incentives - Monitoring systems that ensure the quality and timeliness of the birth and death data - Legal frameworks that allow births and deaths to be notified by mobile device and by different types of notifiers - Community awareness of the need to register births and deaths - Socio-cultural norms around birth and death - Government commitment - Cost to the system, to health workers and to families - Access to electricity and network connectivity, and compatibility with existing systems - Systems that protect data confidentiality We have low to moderate confidence in these findings. This was mainly because of concerns about methodological limitations and data adequacy. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We need more, well-designed studies of the effect of birth and death notification via mobile devices and on factors that may influence its implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya Vasudevan
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tigest Tamrat
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Garrett L Mehl
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Simon Lewin
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Kagucia EW, Ochieng B, Were J, Hayford K, Obor D, O'Brien KL, Gibson DG. Impact of mobile phone delivered reminders and unconditional incentives on measles-containing vaccine timeliness and coverage: a randomised controlled trial in western Kenya. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-003357. [PMID: 33509838 PMCID: PMC7845730 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Short message service (SMS) reminders coupled with a small monetary incentive conditioned on prompt vaccination have been shown to improve first-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) uptake. We assessed whether SMS reminders and unconditional monetary incentives—more amenable to programmatic implementation—can improve MCV1 uptake in Kenya. Methods Caregivers of eligible infants aged 6–8 months were enrolled into an individually randomised controlled trial and assigned to receive either: no intervention (control), two SMS reminders (SMS) sent 3 days, and 1 day before the scheduled MCV1 date, or SMS reminders coupled with a Kenya Shilling (KES) 150 incentive (SMS +150 KES) sent 3 days before the scheduled MCV1 date. Study staff conducted a household follow-up visit at age 12 months to ascertain vaccination status. Log-binomial regression was used to estimate the relative and absolute difference in MCV1 timely coverage (by age 10 months), the primary outcome. Results Between 6 December 2016 and 31 March 2017, 179 infants were enrolled into each of the three study arms. Follow-up visits were completed between 19 April 2017 and 8 October 2017 for control (n=170), SMS (n=157) and SMS + 150 KES (n=158) children. MCV1 timely coverage was 68% among control arm infants compared with 78% in each intervention arm. This represented a non-statistically significant increase in the SMS arm (adjusted relative risk 1.13; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.30; p=0.070; adjusted risk difference 9.2%; 95% CI: −0.6 to 19.0%; p=0.066), but a statistically significant increase in the SMS + 150 KES arm (1.16; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.32; p=0.035; 10.6%; 95% CI 0.8 to 20.3%; p=0.034). Conclusion These findings suggest that the effect of SMS reminders coupled with a small unconditional monetary incentive on MCV1 uptake is comparable to that of SMS reminders alone, limiting their utility. Further studies in the absence of unexpected supply-side constraints are needed. Trial registration number NCT02904642
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Affiliation(s)
- E Wangeci Kagucia
- International Vaccine Access Center, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Benard Ochieng
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health and Research Collaboration, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Joyce Were
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health and Research Collaboration, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kyla Hayford
- International Vaccine Access Center, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David Obor
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health and Research Collaboration, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Katherine L O'Brien
- International Vaccine Access Center, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dustin G Gibson
- International Vaccine Access Center, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Mekonnen ZA, Gelaye KA, Were MC, Tilahun B. Acceptability, Barriers and Facilitators of Mobile Text Message Reminder System Implementation in Improving Child Vaccination: A Qualitative Study in Northwest Ethiopia. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:605-616. [PMID: 33727823 PMCID: PMC7955748 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s298167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile phone text message-based mHealth interventions have shown promise in improving health service delivery. Despite the promising findings at a small scale and few contexts, implementing new technologies as part of changes to health care services is inherently challenging. Though there is a potential to introduce mHealth initiatives to health systems of developing countries, existing evidence on the barriers and facilitators of implementation in different contexts is not adequate. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the acceptability, barriers and facilitators of implementing mobile text message reminder system for child vaccination in Ethiopia. Methods This study applied a phenomenological study design. The study was conducted in north-west, Ethiopia between July 28 and August 19, 2020. A total of 23 participants were purposively selected for the in-depth and key informant interviews. We used an interview guide to collect data and audio-records of interviews were transcribed verbatim. Coding was done to identify patterns and thematic analysis was conducted using ATLAS ti7 software. Results The findings indicated that mothers were receptive to mobile text message reminders for their child’s vaccination. Low mobile phone ownership, access to mobile network, access to electricity and illiteracy among the target population were identified as barriers that would affect implementation. Confidentiality and security-related issues are not barriers to implementation of text message reminders for child vaccination service. Facilitators for implementation include stakeholder collaboration, providing orientation/training to users, and willingness to pay by clients. Conclusion In this study, using mobile phone text message reminders for child vaccination services are acceptable by clients. Barriers identified were related to inadequate ICT infrastructure and other technical issues. Addressing the potential barriers and leveraging the existing opportunities could optimize the implementation in resource-limited settings. Before actual implementation, program implementers should also consider providing orientation to users on the proposed mHealth program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeleke Abebaw Mekonnen
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.,Health System Directorate, Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahun Alemu Gelaye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Martin C Were
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Binyam Tilahun
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Ehlman DC, Magoola J, Tanifum P, Wallace AS, Behumbiize P, Mayanja R, Luzze H, Yukich J, Daniels D, Mugenyi K, Baryarama F, Ayebazibwe N, Conklin L. Evaluating a Mobile Phone-Delivered Text Message Reminder Intervention to Reduce Infant Vaccination Dropout in Arua, Uganda: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e17262. [PMID: 33625372 PMCID: PMC7946592 DOI: 10.2196/17262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, suboptimal vaccine coverage is a public health concern. According to Uganda’s 2016 Demographic and Health Survey, only 49% of 12- to 23-month-old children received all recommended vaccinations by 12 months of age. Innovative ways are needed to increase coverage, reduce dropout, and increase awareness among caregivers to bring children for timely vaccination. Objective This study evaluates a personalized, automated caregiver mobile phone–delivered text message reminder intervention to reduce the proportion of children who start but do not complete the vaccination series for children aged 12 months and younger in select health facilities in Arua district. Methods A two-arm, multicenter, parallel group randomized controlled trial was conducted in four health facilities providing vaccination services in and around the town of Arua. Caregivers of children between 6 weeks and 6 months of age at the time of their first dose of pentavalent vaccine (Penta1; containing diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b antigens) were recruited and interviewed. All participants received the standard of care, defined as the health worker providing child vaccination home-based records to caregivers as available and providing verbal instruction of when to return for the next visit. At the end of each day, caregivers and their children were randomized by computer either to receive or not receive personalized, automated text message reminders for their subsequent vaccination visits according to the national schedule. Text message reminders for Penta2 were sent 2 days before, on the day of, and 2 days after the scheduled vaccination visit. Reminders for Penta3 and the measles-containing vaccine were sent on the scheduled day of vaccination and 5 and 7 days after the scheduled day. Study personnel conducted postintervention follow-up interviews with participants at the health facilities during the children’s measles-containing vaccine visit. In addition, focus group discussions were conducted to assess caregiver acceptability of the intervention, economic data were collected to evaluate the incremental costs and cost-effectiveness of the intervention, and health facility record review forms were completed to capture service delivery process indicators. Results Of the 3485 screened participants, 1961 were enrolled from a sample size of 1962. Enrollment concluded in August 2016. Follow-up interviews of study participants, including data extraction from the children’s vaccination cards, data extraction from the health facility immunization registers, completion of the health facility record review forms, and focus group discussions were completed by December 2017. The results are expected to be released in 2021. Conclusions Prompting health-seeking behavior with reminders has been shown to improve health intervention uptake. Mobile phone ownership continues to grow in Uganda, so their use in vaccination interventions such as this study is logical and should be evaluated with scientifically rigorous study designs. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04177485; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04177485 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/17262
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Ehlman
- Global Immunization Division, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Patricia Tanifum
- Global Immunization Division, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Aaron S Wallace
- Global Immunization Division, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | | | - Henry Luzze
- Uganda National Expanded Program on Immunization, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joshua Yukich
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Danni Daniels
- Global Immunization Division, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Laura Conklin
- Global Immunization Division, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Gbeasor-Komlanvi FA, Chokpon AC, Zida-Compaore WIC, Sadio A, Bali LG, Hounou-Adossi AFE, Mensah E, Patassi A, Lepere P, Ekouevi DK. [Acceptability of the use of mobile phones for HIV management in Togo]. SANTE PUBLIQUE 2020; 32:253-262. [PMID: 32989955 DOI: 10.3917/spub.202.0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the acceptability and factors associated with the use of mobile telephones in the care of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Lomé, Togo. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 5th to March 31st, 2018 in Lomé. PLHIV were recruited from the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases of the teaching hospital “CHU Sylvanus Olympio” and the NGO “Espoir Vie Togo”. Socio-demographic and clinical data, mobile phone possession and acceptability of communication with health professionals using a mobile phone were collected with a standardized questionnaire during a face-to-face interview. RESULTS A total of 259 PLHIV (79.6% women) were recruited. The mean age (± standard deviation) of PLHIV was 43.7 ± 9.8 years and the majority (95.4%) had a mobile phone. Almost all (98.1%) of respondents declared that mobile phone could be a means to maintain contact with a health professional. Phone calls (43.0%), text messages (SMS) (35.1%), and voice messages (20.0%) were the preferred means of communication with health professionals. Factors associated with the acceptability of receiving SMS from a health professional were age < 44 years and having at least a secondary level of education. CONCLUSION PLHIV are receptive to the integration of mobile technology into the management of their condition. M-health could be an opportunity to improve the management of HIV infection in Togo.
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Improving measles vaccine uptake rates in Nigeria: An RCT evaluating the impact of incentive sizes and reminder calls on vaccine uptake. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233149. [PMID: 32555681 PMCID: PMC7302483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the impact of increasing incentive size and reminder calls on the measles vaccine uptake rate. Design Randomized controlled trial, randomized at individual level, stratified by clinic. Setting Nigeria Participants 1088 caregivers with children aged nine months or older; had received at least one previous conditional cash transfer (CCT) at a program clinic, had received their Penta-3 immunization but had not yet received their measles immunization, and the caregiver had provided a phone number. Intervention Nine clinics were randomized to two models; caregivers in Model 1 received a default of 2000 Nigerian Naira (NGN) for completing the measles vaccine, and those in Model 2 received by 3000 NGN. Caregivers from the respective clinics were then randomized to one of the four arms: 1) control (baseline amount of 2000 NGN or 3000 NGN), 2) baseline amount plus a reminder call, 3) baseline amount plus 1000 NGN and a reminder call, and 4) baseline amount plus 3000 NGN and a reminder call. Main outcome measure Receipt of measles vaccine as reported on a child health card. Results Overall, there was no clear trend that increasing the incentive amount resulted in an increase in vaccine uptake rates. In Model 1 households, an additional 1000 NGN and 3000 NGN resulted in a 6.4 percentage point (95% CI: -2.3–15, p-value = 0.15) and 11.8 percentage point (95% CI: 3.9–19.6, p-value = 0.003) increase in the probability of completing the measles vaccines, respectively. This increase, however, was only significant for the 3000 NGN increase. On the other hand, in Model 2 households, increasing the incentive by 1000 NGN and 3000 NGN increased the probability by 3.3 (95% CI: -3.8–10.4, p-value = 0.36) and 3.3 (95% CI: -3.7–10.4, p-value = 0.35) percentage points. These increases were not statistically significant. Adding reminder calls to CCTs increased the probability of completing the measles vaccine; caregivers who received reminder calls plus CCTs were 5.1 percentage points more likely to get their children vaccinated (95% CI: 0.50–9.8, p-value = 0.03) compared to those who received CCTs and did not receive a reminder call. These results were largely driven by caregivers who went to clinics in Model 1. Conclusion A combination of increasing incentive amounts and reminder calls modestly improves measles immunization rates. However, this program also shows that there is substantial regional heterogeneity in response to both incentives and calls. While one possible conclusion is that a larger incentive and phone reminders are more likely to work in higher income and higher baseline coverage settings, the study is not designed to evaluate this claim. Rather, policymakers could consider experimenting with a similar low-cost calling study as part of the design of other cash transfer programs to identify whether adding reminder phone calls could increase the impact of the program.
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Bisvigou U, Kamgaing EK, Rogombe SM, Adjaou B, Ibinga E, Ategbo S, Ngoungou EB. [Assessment of vaccination status and booster vaccinations in adolescents attending school in Libreville, Gabon]. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 35:74. [PMID: 32537077 PMCID: PMC7250231 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2020.35.74.20024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction La vaccination chez l'adolescent est particulière et le statut vaccinal de ce dernier est peu connu. L'objectif de cette étude était d'apprécier ce statut vaccinal et d'identifier les facteurs associés à la compliance vaccinale chez les adolescents scolarisés à Libreville. Méthodes Une enquête observationnelle transversale descriptive a été réalisée chez les élèves des classes de 6edu Lycée national Léon MBA de Libreville. Résultats Au total, 304 élèves ont été inclus dans l'étude. L'âge moyen des élèves était de 11,60±1,20 ans et le sexe ratio était de 0,6. Deux cent soixante-six enfants (87,5%) vivaient avec leur géniteur direct (père et/ou mère). Le nombre moyen d'enfants par famille était de 4. Le taux de couverture vaccinale était de 78,3%. Le nombre d'enfants par famille n'était pas associée à la couverture vaccinale des vaccins du PEV (p=0,088), par contre les enfants vivant avec au moins l'un des parents avaient une meilleure couverture vaccinale respectivement par les vaccins du PEV (p=0,025) et les vaccins hors PEV (p=0,035). Les facteurs évoqués par les parents pour expliquer la non-vaccination étaient le manque d'information (30,59%), l'oubli (24,67%) et le manque de moyens financiers (12,82%). Conclusion La couverture vaccinale des adolescents scolarisés à Libreville semble relativement proche des objectifs du PEV, mais elle reste associée à la situation familiale. D'autres campagnes de sensibilisation seraient utiles pour améliorer cette couverture vaccinale au Gabon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrick Bisvigou
- Département d'Epidémiologie, Biostatistiques et Informatique Médicale, Santé Publique, Médecine du Travail et Médecine Légale, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville-Owendo, Gabon.,Unité de Recherche en Epidémiologie des Maladies Chroniques et Santé Environnement, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville-Owendo, Gabon
| | - Eliane Kuissi Kamgaing
- Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université des sciences de la Santé, Libreville-Owendo, Gabon.,Service de Néonatalogie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Fondation Jeanne Ebori, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Steeve Minto'o Rogombe
- Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université des sciences de la Santé, Libreville-Owendo, Gabon.,Service de Néonatalogie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Fondation Jeanne Ebori, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Brigitte Adjaou
- Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université des sciences de la Santé, Libreville-Owendo, Gabon
| | - Euloge Ibinga
- Département d'Epidémiologie, Biostatistiques et Informatique Médicale, Santé Publique, Médecine du Travail et Médecine Légale, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville-Owendo, Gabon.,Unité de Recherche en Epidémiologie des Maladies Chroniques et Santé Environnement, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville-Owendo, Gabon
| | - Simon Ategbo
- Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université des sciences de la Santé, Libreville-Owendo, Gabon.,Service de Pédiatrie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Fondation Jeanne Ebori, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Edgard Brice Ngoungou
- Département d'Epidémiologie, Biostatistiques et Informatique Médicale, Santé Publique, Médecine du Travail et Médecine Légale, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville-Owendo, Gabon.,Unité de Recherche en Epidémiologie des Maladies Chroniques et Santé Environnement, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville-Owendo, Gabon
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Davis R. Impact on child vaccination completion rates of short message services (SMS) reminders in developing countries. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 35:12. [PMID: 32373263 PMCID: PMC7195916 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2020.35.1.19442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Expanded Programme on Immunization has, since its inception, struggled to achieve high completion rates for child immunizations. The introduction of 2YL (second year of life) immunizations presents the programme with fresh challenges to assuring high completion rates. Methods Using the same procedures as those employed in the 2017 article on SMS reminders, of which this is an update, I searched the NLM database for all recent articles from developing countries on SMS reminders for reduction of vaccination dropout rates. I summarized these and earlier articles in tabular form. Results The freshly reviewed articles are confirmatory of earlier studies which show an improvement in vaccination completion rates when SMS reminders are sent to mothers and other caregivers. Conclusion All of the studies reviewed were based on pilot projects. It is time, and past time, to go to scale with SMS reminders, perhaps stand alone, or as part of a larger system of electronic immunization registers. There may be potential for use of WhatsApp in dropout reduction, thus far documented only in other public health applications.
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Zaidi S, Shaikh SA, Sayani S, Kazi AM, Khoja A, Hussain SS, Najmi R. Operability, Acceptability, and Usefulness of a Mobile App to Track Routine Immunization Performance in Rural Pakistan: Interview Study Among Vaccinators and Key Informants. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e16081. [PMID: 32053115 PMCID: PMC7055833 DOI: 10.2196/16081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a recent spate of mobile health (mHealth) app use for immunizations and other public health concerns in low- and middle-income countries. However, recent evidence has largely focused on app development or before-and-after effects on awareness or service coverage. There is little evidence on the factors that facilitate adoption of mHealth programs, which is critical to effectively embed digital technology into mainstream health systems. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to provide the qualitative experiences of frontline health staff and district managers while engaging with real-time digital technology to improve the coverage of routine childhood immunization in an underserved rural district in Pakistan. METHODS An Android-based app was iteratively developed and used for a 2-year period in 11 union councils of the Tando Muhammad Khan district, an underserved rural district with poor immunization coverage in Pakistan. We used iterative methods to examine the (1) acceptability and operability of the app, (2) validity of the collected data, and (3) use of the collected data. In addition, we collected the barriers and enablers for uptake of the mHealth app. Each of these topics was further explored related to changes in work as well as the enabling factors for and barriers to app use. In-depth interviews were conducted with the 26 vaccinators posted in the 11 union councils and 7 purposively selected key informants (government district managers) involved with the Expanded Program for Immunization. Findings were triangulated in line with the three broad research areas. RESULTS Digital immunization tracking was considered acceptable by vaccinators and district managers. Real-time immunization data were used to monitor vaccination volume, track children with incomplete vaccinations, develop outreach visit plans, correct existing microplans, and disburse a fuel allowance for outreach sessions. The validity of the app data was perceived to be superior to that of data from manual records. Ease of operability, satisfaction with data, personal recognition, links to field support, and a sense of empowerment served as powerful enablers. Taking twice the time to complete both manual and digital entries and outdated phones over time were considered constraints. An unintended knock-on effect was improved coordination and strengthening of Expanded Program for Immunization review platforms across district stakeholders through digitalized data. CONCLUSIONS Embedding digital technology into mainstream health systems relies on use by both end users and district stakeholders. Ease of operability, satisfaction with data reliability, personal recognition, links to field support, and empowerment are powerful enablers, whereas improved coordination as a result of easy, transparent data access can be an important by-product of digitalization. Findings are relevant not only for wide-scale implementation of immunization tracking apps in Pakistan but also for informing the use of digital technology for results-based delivery by frontline health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shehla Zaidi
- Division of Woman and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.,Department of Community Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Saleem Sayani
- E-Health Resource Centre, Aga Khan Development Network, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Momin Kazi
- Division of Woman and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Adeel Khoja
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Rabia Najmi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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12
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Ateudjieu J, Yakum MN, Goura AP, Tembei AM, Ingrid DK, Bita'a Landry B, Kenfack B, Amada L, Tadzong I, Bissek AC. EPI immunization coverage, timeliness and dropout rate among children in a West Cameroon health district: a cross sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:228. [PMID: 32054484 PMCID: PMC7020570 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8340-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monitoring of the expanded program on immunization's performance is not only limited to routine periodic reports but equally includes surveys. Based on unpublished national EPI surveillance data from the past 5 years in Cameroon, the Foumban health district has reported a high number of vaccine preventable disease suspected cases. Contradictory information on the immunization coverage in this district exists from both administrative data and published literature. As a result, the objective of this study was to estimate the immunization coverage and dropout rate in age group 12-23 months and timeliness in age group 0-59 months among children in Foumban Health District (Cameroon), in 2018. METHOD This was a descriptive cross-sectional study targeting randomly selected children aged 0-59 months from Foumban health district. Data were collected by trained and supervised surveyors using a pretested questionnaire to describe the immunization coverage, timeliness and dropout rate in eighty clusters of about thirty buildings selected by stratified random sampling in July 2018. RESULTS In total, 80 clusters covering 2121 buildings were selected and all were reached (100%). A total of 1549 (81.2%) households accepted to participate in the survey and 1430 children aged 0-59 months including 294 (20.6%) aged 12-23 months were enrolled into the study. Of these 1430 children, 427 [29.9 (27.4-32.2)%] aged 0-59 months were vaccinated with evidence. In the age group 12-23 months, the immunization coverage with evidence of BCG, DPT-Hi + Hb 3 and measles/rubella were 28.6(23.4-33.9)%, 22.8 (18.1-27.6)% and 14.3 (10.3-18.1)% respectively. Within age group 0-59 months; the proportion of children who missed their vaccination appointments increased from 23.3 to 31.7% for the vaccine planned at birth (BCG) and last vaccine planned (Measles/Rubella) for the EPI program respectively. In age group 12-23 months; the specific (DPT-Hi + Hb1-3) and general (BCG-Measles/Rubella) dropout rates of vaccination with evidence were 14.1 and 50.0% respectively. CONCLUSION Documented immunization coverage, dropout rate and timeliness in Foumban Health district are lower than that targeted by the Cameroon EPI. Competent health authorities have to take necessary actions to ensure the implementation of national guidelines with regards to children access to immunization. Also, studies have to be conducted to identify determinants of low immunization coverage and delays in immunization schedules as well as high dropout rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Ateudjieu
- M.A. SANTE (Meilleuraccès aux soins de Santé), P.O. Box 33490, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon, P.O. Box 067, Dschang, Cameroon.,Dschang District Hospital, Dschang West region of Cameroon, Dschang, Cameroon
| | | | - André Pascal Goura
- M.A. SANTE (Meilleuraccès aux soins de Santé), P.O. Box 33490, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Ayok Maureen Tembei
- M.A. SANTE (Meilleuraccès aux soins de Santé), P.O. Box 33490, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Beyala Bita'a Landry
- M.A. SANTE (Meilleuraccès aux soins de Santé), P.O. Box 33490, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Bruno Kenfack
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon, P.O. Box 067, Dschang, Cameroon.,Dschang District Hospital, Dschang West region of Cameroon, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Lapia Amada
- M.A. SANTE (Meilleuraccès aux soins de Santé), P.O. Box 33490, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Isaac Tadzong
- M.A. SANTE (Meilleuraccès aux soins de Santé), P.O. Box 33490, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Anne Cecile Bissek
- Division of Health Operations Research, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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13
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Donfouet HPP, Agesa G, Mutua MK. Trends of inequalities in childhood immunization coverage among children aged 12-23 months in Kenya, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:988. [PMID: 31337384 PMCID: PMC6651994 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7309-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immunization is one of the most cost-effective health intervention to halt the spread of childhood diseases, and improve child health. Yet, there is a substantial disparity in childhood immunization coverage. The overall objective of the study is to investigate the trends of within-country inequalities in childhood immunization coverage among children aged 12–23 months in Kenya, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. The three countries included in this study are countries that are on the verge of entering the accelerated phase of the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s co-sharing of costs of vaccine and eventually assuming full costs of vaccines. Côte d’Ivoire is in the Gavi preparatory transition phase, entering the accelerated transition phase in 2020, with an expected transition to full self-financing in 2025. Ghana is expected to enter the accelerated transition phase in 2021 and to full self-financing in 2026 while Kenya will enter in 2022 and fully self-finance in 2027. We examine the pattern of inequality in childhood immunization coverage over time through an equity lens by mainly exploring the direction of inequality in coverage. Methods We use data from the Demographic Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. The rate difference, rate ratio, and relative concentration index are used as measures of inequality. Results Results of the study suggest that in most years inequality in immunization coverage in the three countries persist over time, and it favors the most-advantaged households. However, there is a sharp decrease pattern in inequalities in childhood immunization coverage in Ghana over time. Conclusion Policymakers could be more strategic in addressing pro-rich inequality in immunization coverage by designing health interventions through an equity lens. Using inequality data and putting disadvantaged households at the center of health intervention designs could increase the efficiency of the primary health care system and reduce the incidence of mortality and morbidity as a result of vaccine-preventable disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7309-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Pythagore Pierre Donfouet
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, 2nd Floor, Manga Close, Off Kirawa Road, P.O. Box: 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya. .,University of Rennes, CNRS, CREM-UMR 6211, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Gaye Agesa
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, 2nd Floor, Manga Close, Off Kirawa Road, P.O. Box: 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Martin Kavao Mutua
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, 2nd Floor, Manga Close, Off Kirawa Road, P.O. Box: 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
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One-way SMS and healthcare outcomes in Africa: Systematic review of randomised trials with meta-analysis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217485. [PMID: 31170176 PMCID: PMC6553734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The impact of one-way SMS on health outcomes in Africa is unclear. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of one-way SMS randomised trials in Africa and a meta-analysis of their effect on healthcare appointments attendance and medicine adherence. Methods PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, The Global Health Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, ICTRP, and PACTR were searched for published and unpublished trials in Africa without language restriction (up to April 2018). Trials reporting effect estimates on healthcare appointment attendance and medicine adherence were assessed for risk of bias and included in meta-analyses using random-effects models. Other outcomes were reported descriptively. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO, ID:CRD42018081062. Results We included 38 one-way SMS trials conducted in Africa within a broad range of clinical conditions. Eighteen trials were included in the meta-analyses, and four were assessed as overall low risk of bias. One-way SMS improved appointment attendance, OR:2·03; 95% CI:1·40–2·95 (12 trials, 6448 participants), but not medicine adherence, RR:1·10; 95% CI:0·98–1·23 (nine trials, 4213 participants). Subgroup analyses showed that one-way SMS had the highest impact on childhood immunization attendance, OR:3·69; 95% CI:1·67–8·13 (three trials, 1943 participants). There was no clear evidence of one-way SMS improving facility delivery, knowledge level (reproductive/antenatal health, hypertension), diabetes- and hypertension management. Conclusion In an African setting, the clinical effect of one-way SMS is uncertain except for appointment attendance where the effect seems to vary depending on which clinical condition it is used in.
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15
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Ekhaguere OA, Oluwafemi RO, Badejoko B, Oyeneyin LO, Butali A, Lowenthal ED, Steenhoff AP. Automated phone call and text reminders for childhood immunisations (PRIMM): a randomised controlled trial in Nigeria. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001232. [PMID: 31139442 PMCID: PMC6509606 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan Africa has high under-5 mortality and low childhood immunisation rates. Vaccine-preventable diseases cause one-third of under-5 deaths. Text messaging reminders improve immunisation completion in urban but not rural settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Low adult literacy may account for this difference. The feasibility and impact of combined automated voice and text reminders on immunisation completion in rural sub-Saharan Africa is unknown. Methods We randomised parturient women at the Mother and Child Hospitals Ondo State, Nigeria, owning a mobile phone and planning for child immunisation at these study sites to receive automated call and text immunisation reminders or standard care. We assessed the completion of the third pentavalent vaccine (Penta-3) at 18 weeks of age, immunisation completion at 12 months and within 1 week of recommended dates. We assessed selected demographic characteristics associated with completing immunisations at 12 months using a generalised binomial linear model with ‘log’ link function. Feasibility was assessed as proportion of reminders received. Results Each group had 300 mother−baby dyads with similar demographic characteristics. At 18 weeks, 257 (86%) and 244 (81%) (risk ratio (RR) 1.05, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.13; p=0.15) in the intervention and control groups received Penta-3 vaccine. At 12 months, 220 (74%) and 196 (66%) (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.25; p=0.04) in the intervention and control groups received the measles vaccine. Infants in the intervention group were more likely to receive Penta-3 (84% vs 78%, RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.17; p=0.04), measles (73% vs 65%, RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.26; p=0.02) and all scheduled immunisations collectively (57% vs 47%, RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.26; p=0.01) within 1 week of the recommended date. No demographic character predicted immunisation completion. In the intervention group, 92% and 86% reported receiving a verification reminder and at least one reminder during the study period, respectively. Conclusion Paired automated call and text reminders significantly improved immunisation completion and timeliness. Trial registration number NCT02819895.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osayame A Ekhaguere
- Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Rosena O Oluwafemi
- Department of Pediatrics, Mother and Child Hospital, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Bolaji Badejoko
- Department of Pediatrics, Mother and Child Hospital, Ondo Town, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Lawal O Oyeneyin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mother and Child Hospital, Ondo Town, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Azeez Butali
- Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Pediatrics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew P Steenhoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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16
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Manakongtreecheep K. SMS-reminder for vaccination in Africa: research from published, unpublished and grey literature. Pan Afr Med J 2017; 27:23. [PMID: 29296158 PMCID: PMC5745941 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2017.27.3.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunization for children against vaccine-preventable diseases is one of the most important health intervention method in the world, both in terms of its health impact and cost-effectiveness. Through EPI and various other programs such as the Decades of Vaccines, immunization has been improving the health of children around the world. However, this progress falls short of global immunization targets of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP). Furthermore, the African region still lags behind in immunization, and suffers from a high proportion of vaccine preventable diseases as a result. Reminders and recall for vaccination have been shown to improve health care-seeking behaviours, and have been recommended for application in routine and supplemental measles immunization activities. With mobile phones becoming more accessible in Africa, SMS vaccine reminder system has been proposed as a convenient and easily scalable way to inform caregivers of the disease and the importance of immunization, to address any concerns related to immunization safety, and to remind them of vaccination schedules and campaigns. There have been 6 published articles and 1 unpublished article on the effect of SMS reminder system for immunization in Africa. The studies done has shown that SMS vaccination reminder has led to improvements in vaccination uptakes in various metrics, whether is through the increase in vaccination coverage, decrease in dropout rates, increase in completion rate, or decrease in delay for vaccination.
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17
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Bright T, Felix L, Kuper H, Polack S. A systematic review of strategies to increase access to health services among children in low and middle income countries. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:252. [PMID: 28381276 PMCID: PMC5382494 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2180-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Universal Health Coverage is widely endorsed as the pivotal goal in global health, however substantial barriers to accessing health services for children in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) exist. Failure to access healthcare is an important contributor to child mortality in these settings. Barriers to access have been widely studied, however effective interventions to overcome barriers and increase access to services for children are less well documented. Methods We conducted a systematic review of effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing access to health services for children aged 5 years and below in LMIC. Four databases (EMBASE, Global Health, MEDLINE, and PSYCINFO) were searched in January 2016. Studies were included if they evaluated interventions that aimed to increase: health care utilisation; immunisation uptake; and compliance with medication or referral. Randomised controlled trials and non-randomised controlled study designs were included in the review. A narrative approach was used to synthesise results. Results Fifty seven studies were included in the review. Approximately half of studies (49%) were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Most studies were randomised controlled trials (n = 44; 77%) with the remaining studies employing non-randomised designs. Very few studies were judged as high quality. Studies evaluated a diverse range of interventions and various outcomes. Supply side interventions included: delivery of services at or closer to home and service level improvements (eg. integration of services). Demand side interventions included: educational programmes, text messages, and financial or other incentives. Interventions that delivered services at or closer to home and text messages were in general associated with a significant improvement in relevant outcomes. A consistent pattern was not noted for the remaining studies. Conclusions This review fills a gap in the literature by providing evidence of the range and effectiveness of interventions that can be used to increase access for children aged ≤5 years in LMIC. It highlights some intervention areas that seem to show encouraging trends including text message reminders and delivery of services at or close to home. However, given the methodological limitations found in existing studies, the results of this review must be interpreted with caution. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD420160334200 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-017-2180-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess Bright
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Lambert Felix
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Hannah Kuper
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Polack
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Kim SS, Patel M, Hinman A. Use of m-Health in polio eradication and other immunization activities in developing countries. Vaccine 2017; 35:1373-1379. [PMID: 28190744 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reaching the children that are chronically missed by routine immunization services has been a key pillar of success in achieving progress toward polio eradication. The rapid advancement and accessibility of mobile technology ("mHealth") in low and lower middle income countries provides an important opportunity to apply novel, innovative approaches to provide vaccine services. We sought to document the use and effectiveness of mHealth in immunization programs in low and lower middle income countries. We particularly focused on mHealth approaches used in polio eradication efforts by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to leverage the knowledge and lessons learned that may be relevant for enhancing ongoing immunization services. METHODS In June 2016, the electronic database PubMed was searched for peer reviewed studies that focused on efforts to improve immunization programs (both ongoing immunization services and supplemental immunization activities or campaigns) through mobile technology in low and lower middle income countries. RESULTS The search yielded 317 papers of which 25 met the inclusion criteria. One additional article was included from the hand searching process. mHealth was used for reminder and recall, monitoring and surveillance, vaccine acceptance, and campaign strategic planning. Mobile phones were the most common mobile device used. Of the 26 studies, 21 of 26 studies (80.8%) reported that mHealth improved immunization efforts. CONCLUSION mHealth interventions can effectively enhance immunization services in low and lower middle income countries. With the growing capacity and access to mobile technology, mHealth can be a powerful and sustainable tool for enhancing the reach and impact of vaccine programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S Kim
- Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | | | - Alan Hinman
- Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Seeber L, Conrad T, Hoppe C, Obermeier P, Chen X, Karsch K, Muehlhans S, Tief F, Boettcher S, Diedrich S, Schweiger B, Rath B. Educating parents about the vaccination status of their children: A user-centered mobile application. Prev Med Rep 2017; 5:241-250. [PMID: 28127527 PMCID: PMC5257187 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Parents are often uncertain about the vaccination status of their children. In times of vaccine hesitancy, vaccination programs could benefit from active patient participation. The Vaccination App (VAccApp) was developed by the Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative, enabling parents to learn about the vaccination status of their children, including 25 different routine, special indication and travel vaccines listed in the WHO Immunization Certificate of Vaccination (WHO-ICV). Between 2012 and 2014, the VAccApp was validated in a hospital-based quality management program in Berlin, Germany, in collaboration with the Robert Koch Institute. Parents of 178 children were asked to transfer the immunization data of their children from the WHO-ICV into the VAccApp. The respective WHO-ICV was photocopied for independent, professional data entry (gold standard). Demonstrating the status quo in vaccine information reporting, a Recall Group of 278 parents underwent structured interviews for verbal immunization histories, without the respective WHO-ICV. Only 9% of the Recall Group were able to provide a complete vaccination status; on average 39% of the questions were answered correctly. Using the WHO-ICV with the help of the VAccApp resulted in 62% of parents providing a complete vaccination status; on average 95% of the questions were answered correctly. After using the VAccApp, parents were more likely to remember key aspects of the vaccination history. User-friendly mobile applications empower parents to take a closer look at the vaccination record, thereby taking an active role in providing accurate vaccination histories. Parents may become motivated to ask informed questions and to keep vaccinations up-to-date.
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Key Words
- ED, emergency department
- Electronic health records
- Immunization
- Mobile health
- Patient education
- Patient empowerment
- QM, quality management
- RSV, respiratory syncytial virus
- SOP, standard operating procedure
- VAccApp, Vaccination App, a mobile application for vaccination histories
- VPD, vaccine-preventable disease
- Vaccination history
- ViVI, Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative
- WHO, World Health Organization
- WHO-ICV, International Certificate of Vaccination, issued by the World Health Organization
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Seeber
- Department of Pediatrics, Charité University Medical Center, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tim Conrad
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Freie University, Arnimallee 14, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Hoppe
- Department of Pediatrics, Charité University Medical Center, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative, Berlin, Germany; Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Freie University, Arnimallee 14, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Obermeier
- Department of Pediatrics, Charité University Medical Center, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative, Berlin, Germany
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Charité University Medical Center, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Karsch
- Department of Pediatrics, Charité University Medical Center, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Susann Muehlhans
- Department of Pediatrics, Charité University Medical Center, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Tief
- Department of Pediatrics, Charité University Medical Center, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sindy Boettcher
- National Reference Center for Poliomyelitis and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Seestr. 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Diedrich
- National Reference Center for Poliomyelitis and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Seestr. 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Brunhilde Schweiger
- National Reference Center for Influenza, Robert Koch Institute, Seestr. 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Rath
- Department of Pediatrics, Charité University Medical Center, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Vienna Vaccine Safety Initiative, Berlin, Germany; The University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG51PB, UK
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