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Pavia G, Branda F, Ciccozzi A, Romano C, Locci C, Azzena I, Pascale N, Marascio N, Quirino A, Matera G, Giovanetti M, Casu M, Sanna D, Ceccarelli G, Ciccozzi M, Scarpa F. Integrating Digital Health Solutions with Immunization Strategies: Improving Immunization Coverage and Monitoring in the Post-COVID-19 Era. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:847. [PMID: 39203973 PMCID: PMC11359052 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12080847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of vaccination to global health security and highlighted the potential of digital health solutions to improve immunization strategies. This article explores integrating digital health technologies with immunization programs to improve coverage, monitoring, and public health outcomes. It examines the current landscape of digital tools used in immunization initiatives, such as mobile health apps, electronic health records, and data analytics platforms. Case studies from different regions demonstrate the effectiveness of these technologies in addressing challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, logistics, and real-time monitoring of vaccine distribution and adverse events. The paper also examines ethical considerations, data privacy issues, and the need for a robust digital infrastructure to support these innovations. By analyzing the successes and limitations of digital health interventions in immunization campaigns during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, we provide recommendations for future integration strategies to ensure resilient and responsive immunization systems. This research aims to guide policymakers, health professionals, and technologists in leveraging digital health to strengthen immunization efforts and prepare for future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Pavia
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.P.); (N.M.); (A.Q.); (G.M.)
| | - Francesco Branda
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Alessandra Ciccozzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (C.L.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Chiara Romano
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Chiara Locci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (C.L.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.A.); (N.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Ilenia Azzena
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.A.); (N.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Noemi Pascale
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.A.); (N.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Nadia Marascio
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.P.); (N.M.); (A.Q.); (G.M.)
| | - Angela Quirino
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.P.); (N.M.); (A.Q.); (G.M.)
| | - Giovanni Matera
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.P.); (N.M.); (A.Q.); (G.M.)
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Climate Amplified Diseases and Epidemics (CLIMADE), Brasilia 70070-130, Goias, Brazil
| | - Marco Casu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.A.); (N.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Daria Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (C.L.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (C.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Fabio Scarpa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (C.L.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
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Knop MR, Nagashima-Hayashi M, Lin R, Saing CH, Ung M, Oy S, Yam ELY, Zahari M, Yi S. Impact of mHealth interventions on maternal, newborn, and child health from conception to 24 months postpartum in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. BMC Med 2024; 22:196. [PMID: 38750486 PMCID: PMC11095039 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03417-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have been harnessed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to address the intricate challenges confronting maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH). This review aspires to scrutinize the effectiveness of mHealth interventions on MNCH outcomes during the pivotal first 1000 days of life, encompassing the period from conception through pregnancy, childbirth, and post-delivery, up to the age of 2 years. METHODS A comprehensive search was systematically conducted in May 2022 across databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health (CINAHL), Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Trip Pro, to unearth peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2022. The inclusion criteria consisted of (i) mHealth interventions directed at MNCH; (ii) study designs, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), RCT variations, quasi-experimental designs, controlled before-and-after studies, or interrupted time series studies); (iii) reports of outcomes pertinent to the first 1000 days concept; and (iv) inclusion of participants from LMICs. Each study was screened for quality in alignment with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Joanne Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. The included articles were then analyzed and categorized into 12 mHealth functions and outcome domain categories (antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care), followed by forest plot comparisons of effect measures. RESULTS From the initial pool of 7119 articles, we included 131 in this review, comprising 56 RCTs, 38 cluster-RCTs, and 37 quasi-experimental studies. Notably, 62% of these articles exhibited a moderate or high risk of bias. Promisingly, mHealth strategies, such as dispatching text message reminders to women and equipping healthcare providers with digital planning and scheduling tools, exhibited the capacity to augment antenatal clinic attendance and enhance the punctuality of child immunization. However, findings regarding facility-based delivery, child immunization attendance, and infant feeding practices were inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS This review suggests that mHealth interventions can improve antenatal care attendance and child immunization timeliness in LMICs. However, their impact on facility-based delivery and infant feeding practices varies. Nevertheless, the potential of mHealth to enhance MNCH services in resource-limited settings is promising. More context-specific implementation studies with rigorous evaluations are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Ravn Knop
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michiko Nagashima-Hayashi
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ruixi Lin
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chan Hang Saing
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mengieng Ung
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sreymom Oy
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Esabelle Lo Yan Yam
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marina Zahari
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siyan Yi
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
- KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
- Public Health Program, College of Education and Health Sciences, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, USA.
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Gilano G, Sako S, Molla B, Dekker A, Fijten R. The effect of mHealth on childhood vaccination in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294442. [PMID: 38381753 PMCID: PMC10880990 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccine-preventable diseases are the public health problems in Africa, although vaccination is an available, safe, simple, and effective method prevention. Technologies such as mHealth may provide maternal access to health information and support decisions on childhood vaccination. Many studies on the role of mHealth in vaccination decisions have been conducted in Africa, but the evidence needs to provide conclusive information to support mHealth introduction. This study provides essential information to assist planning and policy decisions regarding the use of mHealth for childhood vaccination. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis for studies applying mHealth in Africa for vaccination decisions following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analysis [PRISMA] guideline. Databases such as CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Global Health, HINARI, and Cochrane Library were included. We screened studies in Endnote X20 and performed the analysis using Revman 5.4.1. RESULTS The database search yielded 1,365 articles [14 RCTs and 4 quasi-experiments] with 21,070 participants satisfied all eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis showed that mHealth has an OR of 2.15 [95% CI: 1.70-2.72; P<0.001; I2 = 90%] on vaccination rates. The subgroup analysis showed that regional differences cause heterogeneity. Funnel plots and Harbord tests showed the absence of publication bias, while the GRADE scale showed a moderate-quality body of evidence. CONCLUSION Although heterogeneous, this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the application of mHealth could potentially improve childhood vaccination in Africa. It increased childhood vaccination by more than double [2.15 times] among children whose mothers are motivated by mHealth services. MHealth is more effective in less developed regions and when an additional incentive party with the messaging system. However, it can be provided at a comparably low cost based on the development level of regions and can be established as a routine service in Africa. REGISTRATION PROSPERO: CRD42023415956.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girma Gilano
- Department of Public Health Informatics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Sewunet Sako
- Department of Public Health Informatics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Berihun Molla
- Department of Public Health Informatics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Andre Dekker
- Department of Radiation Oncology [Maastro], GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne Fijten
- Department of Radiation Oncology [Maastro], GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Oyo-Ita A, Oduwole O, Arikpo D, Effa EE, Esu EB, Balakrishna Y, Chibuzor MT, Oringanje CM, Nwachukwu CE, Wiysonge CS, Meremikwu MM. Interventions for improving coverage of childhood immunisation in low- and middle-income countries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 12:CD008145. [PMID: 38054505 PMCID: PMC10698843 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008145.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunisation plays a major role in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. Getting children immunised against potentially fatal and debilitating vaccine-preventable diseases remains a challenge despite the availability of efficacious vaccines, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. With the introduction of new vaccines, this becomes increasingly difficult. There is therefore a current need to synthesise the available evidence on the strategies used to bridge this gap. This is a second update of the Cochrane Review first published in 2011 and updated in 2016, and it focuses on interventions for improving childhood immunisation coverage in low- and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of intervention strategies to boost demand and supply of childhood vaccines, and sustain high childhood immunisation coverage in low- and middle-income countries. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Global Index Medicus (11 July 2022). We searched Embase, LILACS, and Sociological Abstracts (2 September 2014). We searched WHO ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov (11 July 2022). In addition, we screened reference lists of relevant systematic reviews for potentially eligible studies, and carried out a citation search for 14 of the included studies (19 February 2020). SELECTION CRITERIA Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised RCTs (nRCTs), controlled before-after studies, and interrupted time series conducted in low- and middle-income countries involving children that were under five years of age, caregivers, and healthcare providers. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We independently screened the search output, reviewed full texts of potentially eligible articles, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted data in duplicate, resolving discrepancies by consensus. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses and used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS Forty-one studies involving 100,747 participants are included in the review. Twenty studies were cluster-randomised and 15 studies were individually randomised controlled trials. Six studies were quasi-randomised. The studies were conducted in four upper-middle-income countries (China, Georgia, Mexico, Guatemala), 11 lower-middle-income countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Nepal, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Zimbabwe), and three lower-income countries (Afghanistan, Mali, Rwanda). The interventions evaluated in the studies were health education (seven studies), patient reminders (13 studies), digital register (two studies), household incentives (three studies), regular immunisation outreach sessions (two studies), home visits (one study), supportive supervision (two studies), integration of immunisation services with intermittent preventive treatment of malaria (one study), payment for performance (two studies), engagement of community leaders (one study), training on interpersonal communication skills (one study), and logistic support to health facilities (one study). We judged nine of the included studies to have low risk of bias; the risk of bias in eight studies was unclear and 24 studies had high risk of bias. We found low-certainty evidence that health education (risk ratio (RR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15 to 1.62; 6 studies, 4375 participants) and home-based records (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.75; 3 studies, 4019 participants) may improve coverage with DTP3/Penta 3 vaccine. Phone calls/short messages may have little or no effect on DTP3/Penta 3 vaccine uptake (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.25; 6 studies, 3869 participants; low-certainty evidence); wearable reminders probably have little or no effect on DTP3/Penta 3 uptake (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.07; 2 studies, 1567 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Use of community leaders in combination with provider intervention probably increases the uptake of DTP3/Penta 3 vaccine (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.69; 1 study, 2020 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). We are uncertain about the effect of immunisation outreach on DTP3/Penta 3 vaccine uptake in children under two years of age (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.56; 1 study, 541 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are also uncertain about the following interventions improving full vaccination of children under two years of age: training of health providers on interpersonal communication skills (RR 5.65, 95% CI 3.62 to 8.83; 1 study, 420 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and home visits (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.45; 1 study, 419 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The same applies to the effect of training of health providers on interpersonal communication skills on the uptake of DTP3/Penta 3 by one year of age (very low-certainty evidence). The integration of immunisation with other services may, however, improve full vaccination (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.44; 1 study, 1700 participants; low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Health education, home-based records, a combination of involvement of community leaders with health provider intervention, and integration of immunisation services may improve vaccine uptake. The certainty of the evidence for the included interventions ranged from moderate to very low. Low certainty of the evidence implies that the true effect of the interventions might be markedly different from the estimated effect. Further, more rigorous RCTs are, therefore, required to generate high-certainty evidence to inform policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Oyo-Ita
- Department of Community Health, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Olabisi Oduwole
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Achievers University, Owo, Nigeria
| | - Dachi Arikpo
- Cochrane Nigeria, Institute of Tropical Diseases Research and Prevention, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel E Effa
- Internal Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Ekpereonne B Esu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Yusentha Balakrishna
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Moriam T Chibuzor
- Cochrane Nigeria, Institute of Tropical Diseases Research and Prevention, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Chioma M Oringanje
- GIDP Entomology and Insect Science, University of Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Charles S Wiysonge
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Programme, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Cité du Djoué, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Martin M Meremikwu
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
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Singleton AC, Raeside R, Hyun KK, Hayes M, Sherman KA, Elder E, Redfern J, Partridge SR. A National Health and Wellness SMS Text Message Program for Breast Cancer Survivors During COVID-19 (EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19): Mixed Methods Evaluation Using the RE-AIM Framework. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e45164. [PMID: 37490319 PMCID: PMC10410388 DOI: 10.2196/45164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 lockdowns caused widespread closures of supportive care services for breast cancer survivors in Australia. In a randomized controlled trial, our team's lifestyle-focused, evidence-based SMS text message support program (EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19) was found to be acceptable and useful for breast cancer survivors, and it was ready for rapid widespread delivery. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the reach (uptake) of an adapted 3-month lifestyle-focused SMS text message program (EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19) and barriers and enablers to implementation using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. METHODS A mixed methods pre-post study was conducted to evaluate the EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19 program. The study evaluated the following aspects: (1) reach/representativeness, which refers to the proportion of participant enrollment (ie, number enrolled/number that visited the study website) and demographics (eg, age, sex, ethnicity, time since completing treatment, Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage [IRSAD; quintile 1, which refers to most disadvantaged areas, to quintile 5, which refers to least disadvantaged areas, and remoteness); (2) effectiveness, in which participant engagement and acceptability were evaluated using SMS text message reply data and a feedback survey (5-point Likert scale and free-text responses); (3) adoption, which corresponds to the proportion of organizations or health professionals who agreed to promote the program; (4) implementation fidelity and maintenance, which evaluated SMS text message delivery data, opt-outs, costs, and adaptations. Quantitative data were summarized using means and SDs or frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS With regard to the reach/representativeness of the program, 841/1340 (62.8%) participants enrolled and provided electronic consent. Participants had a mean age of 58.8 (SD 9.8; range 30-87) years. According to the data collected, most participants identified as female (837/840, 99.6%) and White (736/840, 87.6%) and nearly half (418/841, 49.7%) finished treatment ≤18 months ago. Most resided in major cities (574/838, 68.5%) and 30% (251/838) in IRSAD quintile 1 or 2. In terms of effectiveness, 852 replies were received from 511 unique participants (median 1; range 1-26). The most common replies were participants stating how they heard about the program (467/852, 54.8%) or "thank you" (131/852, 15.4%). None of the replies contained urgent safety concerns. Among participants who provided feedback (449/841, 53.4%), most "(strongly) agreed" the SMS text messages were easy to understand (445/448, 99.3%), useful (373/440, 84.8%), helped participants feel supported (388/448, 86.6%), and motivated participants to be physically active (312/445, 70.1%) and eat healthier (313/457, 68.5%). Free-text responses revealed 5 factors influencing engagement: (1) feeling supported and less alone, (2) motivation and reassurance for health self-management, (3) the variety of information, (4) weblinks to information and resources, and (5) the option to save the SMS text messages. Concerning adoption, 50% (18/36) of organizations/health professionals agreed to promote the program. With regard to implementation/maintenance, SMS text messages were delivered as planned (97.43% [41,257/42,344] of SMS text messages were successfully delivered) with minimal opt-outs (62/838, 7.4%) and low cost (Aus $15.40/participant; Aus $1=US $0.67). No adaptations were made during the intervention period. Postintervention adaptations included adding weblinks and participant-selected customizations. CONCLUSIONS EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19 was implemented quickly, had a broad reach, and had high engagement and acceptability among socioeconomically diverse participants. The program had high fidelity, low cost, and required minimal staff oversight, which may facilitate future implementation. However, further research is needed to evaluate barriers and enablers to adoption and implementation for health professionals and strategies for long-term maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Singleton
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rebecca Raeside
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Karice K Hyun
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Molly Hayes
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kerry A Sherman
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Elder
- Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julie Redfern
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Research Education Network, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephanie R Partridge
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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MacDonald SE, Marfo E, Sell H, Assi A, Frank-Wilson A, Atkinson K, Kellner JD, McNeil D, Klein K, Svenson LW. Text Message Reminders to Improve Immunization Appointment Attendance in Alberta, Canada: The Childhood Immunization Reminder Project Pilot Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e37579. [PMID: 36346666 PMCID: PMC9682453 DOI: 10.2196/37579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccine coverage for 18-month-old children in Canada is often below the recommended level, which may be partially because of parental forgetfulness. SMS text message reminders have been shown to potentially improve childhood immunization uptake but have not been widely used in Alberta, Canada. In addition, it has been noted that language barriers may impede immunization service delivery but continue to remain unaddressed in many existing reminder and recall systems. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of using SMS text messages containing a link to web-based immunization information in different languages to remind parents of their child's 18-month immunization appointment. METHODS The Childhood Immunization Reminder Project was a pilot intervention at 2 public health centers, one each in Lethbridge and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Two SMS text message reminders were sent to parents: a booking reminder 3 months before their child turned 18 months old and an appointment reminder 3 days before their scheduled appointment. Booking reminders included a link to the study website hosting immunization information in 9 languages. To evaluate intervention effectiveness, we compared the absolute attendance no-show rates before the intervention and after the intervention. The acceptability of the intervention was evaluated through web-based surveys completed by parents and public health center staff. Google Analytics was used to determine how often web-based immunization information was accessed, from where, and in which languages. RESULTS Following the intervention, the health center in Edmonton had a reduction of 6.4% (95% CI 3%-9.8%) in appointment no-shows, with no change at the Lethbridge Health Center (0.8%, 95% CI -1.4% to 3%). The acceptability surveys were completed by 222 parents (response rate: 23.9%) and 22 staff members. Almost all (>95%) respondents indicated that the reminders were helpful and provided useful suggestions for improvement. All surveyed parents (222/222, 100%) found it helpful to read web-based immunization information in their language of choice. Google Analytics data showed that immunization information was most often read in English (118/207, 57%), Punjabi (52/207, 25.1%), Arabic (13/207, 6.3%), Spanish (12/207, 5.8%), Italian (4/207, 1.9%), Chinese (4/207, 1.9%), French (2/207, 0.9%), Tagalog (1/207, 0.5%), and Vietnamese (1/207, 0.5%). CONCLUSIONS The study's findings support the use of SMS text message reminders as a convenient and acceptable method to minimize parental forgetfulness and potentially reduce appointment no-shows. The diverse languages accessed in web-based immunization information suggest the need to provide appropriate translated immunization information. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of SMS text message reminders on childhood immunization coverage in different settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E MacDonald
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Marfo
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Hannah Sell
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ali Assi
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew Frank-Wilson
- South Zone Data & Analytics, Alberta Health Services, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Katherine Atkinson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - James D Kellner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Deborah McNeil
- Strategic Clinical Networks, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kristin Klein
- Communicable Disease Control, Provincial Population & Public Health, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lawrence W Svenson
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Analytics and Performance Reporting, Alberta Health, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Dathini H, Sharoni SKA, Robert KT. Parental Reminder Strategies and the Cost Implication for Improved Immunisation Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10101996. [PMID: 36292443 PMCID: PMC9602292 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10101996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Getting children vaccinated amidst prevailing barriers to immunisation has been challenging in both developed and developing countries. To address these problems, studies on parental reminder strategies were conducted to improve immunisation outcomes in children. These led to the development of different parental reminder interventions. This review systematically reviews different parental interventions and their cost implication for improved immunisations. Five online databases; Medline Complete, the Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], Academic search premier, SPORTDiscus, and Health Source Nursing/Academic were searched using search terms. A total of 24 articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Studies that provided sufficient information were included for meta-analysis using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version three, while narrative synthesis was used for the other studies. Results indicate that a heterogeneous and low-quality certainty of evidence on parental voice calls (OR 4.752, 95% CI 1.846-12.231, p = 0.001) exists in improving immunisation coverage. Regarding immunisation timeliness, a high-quality certainty of evidence on Short Message Services (SMS)-delivered health education messages (OR 2.711 95% CI 1.387-5.299, p = 0.004) had more effect on timely immunisation uptake. The average cost of SMS-delivered parental reminder interventions for improved immunisation outcomes was USD 0.50. The study concludes that mobile technology is a promising, cost-effective strategy for improved immunisation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamina Dathini
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Allied Health, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri 600104, Nigeria
| | - Siti Khuzaimah Ahmad Sharoni
- Centre for Nursing Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 40450, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-3258-4305
| | - Kever Teriyla Robert
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Allied Health, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri 600104, Nigeria
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Venkataramanan R, Subramanian S, Alajlani M, Arvanitis TN. Effect of mobile health interventions in increasing utilization of Maternal and Child Health care services in developing countries: A scoping review. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221143236. [DOI: 10.1177/20552076221143236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile health (mHealth) technology is being used predominantly in low- and middle-income countries. Developing countries with low level of investment in health infrastructure can augment existing capacity by adopting low-cost affordable technology. The aim of the review was to summarize the available evidence on mHealth interventions that aimed at increasing the utilization of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) care services. Further, this review investigated the barriers which prevent the use of mHealth among both health care workers as well as beneficiaries. Methodology A scoping review of literature was undertaken using the five-stage framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley. The articles published between 1990 and 2021 were retrieved from three databases (PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, and Google Scholar) and grey literature for this review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist was followed to present the findings. Result A total of 573 studies were identified. After removing duplicates, studies not related to mHealth and MCH and publications of systematic reviews and protocols for studies, a total of 28 studies were selected for review. The study design of the research articles which appeared during the search process were mostly observational, cross-sectional, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We have classified the studies into four categories based on the outcomes for which the mHealth intervention was implemented: MCH care services, child immunization, nutrition services, and perceptions of stakeholders toward using technology for improving MCH outcomes. Conclusion This brief review concludes that mHealth interventions can improve access to MCH services. However, further studies based on large sample size and strong research design are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramachandran Venkataramanan
- Institute of Digital Healthcare, WMG – The University of Warwick, Coventry, USA
- Research Division, Karkinos Healthcare, Mumbai, India
| | - S.V. Subramanian
- Harvard Center for Population & Development Studies, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohannad Alajlani
- Institute of Digital Healthcare, WMG – The University of Warwick, Coventry, USA
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Eze P, Agu SA, Agu UJ, Acharya Y. Acceptability of mobile-phone reminders for routine childhood vaccination appointments in Nigeria - a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1276. [PMID: 34836531 PMCID: PMC8627092 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07296-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile-phone reminders have gained traction among policymakers as a way to improve childhood vaccination coverage and timeliness. However, there is limited evidence on the acceptability of mobile-phone reminders among patients and caregivers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the ownership of mobile-phone device and the willingness to receive mobile-phone reminders among mothers/caregivers utilizing routine childhood immunization services in Nigeria. METHOD MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, CNKI, AJOL (African Journal Online), and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies on the acceptability of mobile-phone reminders for routine immunization appointments among mothers/caregivers in Nigeria. Studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and JBI critical appraisal checklists. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects model to generate pooled estimates (proportion) of mothers who owned at least one mobile phone and proportion of mothers willing to receive mobile-phone reminders. RESULTS Sixteen studies (13 cross-sectional and three interventional) involving a total of 9923 mothers across 15 states and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja met inclusion criteria. Pooled estimates showed that the proportion of mothers who owned at least one mobile phone was 96.4% (95% CI = 94.1-98.2%; I2 = 96.3%) while the proportion of mothers willing to receive mobile-phone reminders was 86.0% (95% CI = 79.8-91.3%, I2 = 98.4%). Most mothers preferred to receive text message reminders at least 24 h before the routine immunization appointment day, and in the morning hours. Approximately 52.8% of the mothers preferred to receive reminders in English, the country's official language. CONCLUSION Current evidence suggests a high acceptability for mobile-phone reminder interventions to improve routine childhood immunization coverage and timeliness. Further studies, however, are needed to better understand unique regional preferences and assess the operational costs, long-term effects, and risks of this intervention. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021234183.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Eze
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Sergius Alex Agu
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Ujunwa Justina Agu
- Department of Paediatrics, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Yubraj Acharya
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
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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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Rauh LD, Lathan HS, Masiello MM, Ratzan SC, Parker RM. A Select Bibliography of Actions to Promote Vaccine Literacy: A Resource for Health Communication. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2020; 25:843-858. [PMID: 33719890 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2021.1878312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this bibliography, the researchers provide an introduction to the available evidence base of actions to promote vaccine literacy. The research team organized interventions to create a tool that can inform health communicators and practitioners seeking a resource focused on strategy and implementation design for actions that support vaccine literacy. This scoping bibliography is honed specifically to respond to the urgency of the current pandemic, when supporting and increasing vaccine literacy offers promise for achieving the critically needed high levels of vaccination. Over the course of the coming months and year, this bibliography will be a dynamic and "living" document hosted and maintained on vaccineliteracy.com.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren D Rauh
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah S Lathan
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Scott C Ratzan
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruth M Parker
- Division of General Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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