Application of Mobile Technology for Improving Expanded Program on Immunization Among Highland Minority and Stateless Populations in Northern Thailand Border

BackgroundStudies of undervaccinated children of minority/stateless populations have highlighted significant barriers at individual, community, and state levels. These include geography-related difficulties, poverty, and social norms/beliefs. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess projec...

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Main Authors: Kaewkungwal, Jaranit (Author), Apidechkul, Tawatchai (Author), Jandee, Kasemsak (Author), Khamsiriwatchara, Amnat (Author), Lawpoolsri, Saranath (Author), Sawang, Surasak (Author), Sangvichean, Aumnuyphan (Author), Wansatid, Peerawat (Author), Krongrungroj, Sarinya (Author)
Format: Book
Published: JMIR Publications, 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z.
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Summary:BackgroundStudies of undervaccinated children of minority/stateless populations have highlighted significant barriers at individual, community, and state levels. These include geography-related difficulties, poverty, and social norms/beliefs. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess project outcomes regarding immunization coverage, as well as maternal attitudes and practices toward immunization. MethodsThe "StatelessVac" project was conducted in Thailand-Myanmar-Laos border areas using cell phone-based mechanisms to increase immunization coverage by incorporating phone-to-phone information sharing for both identification and prevention. With limitation of the study among vulnerable populations in low-resource settings, the pre/post assessments without comparison group were conducted. Immunization coverage was collected from routine monthly reports while behavior-change outcomes were from repeat surveys. ResultsThis study revealed potential benefits of the initiative for case identification; immunization coverage showed an improved trend. Prevention strategies were successfully integrated into the routine health care workflows of immunization activities at point-of-care. A behavior-change-communication package contributes significantly in raising both concern and awareness in relation to child care. ConclusionsThe mobile technology has proven to be an effective mechanism in improving a children's immunization program among these hard-to-reach populations. Part of the intervention has now been revised for use at health centers across the country.
Item Description:2291-5222
10.2196/mhealth.3704