Effectiveness of short message services reminder on childhood immunization programme in Kadoma- a randomized control trial, 2013

Introduction: Globally, non-attendance for immunization appointments remains a challenge to healthcare providers. Adoption of short message services has been shown to enhance attendance in medical setting. A review of the 2011 consolidated monthly return form (T5) for Kadoma City reveals that the annual OPV1, Pneumococcal 1, and Pentavalent 1 coverage at 6weeks was 74% and for OPV2, Pneumococcal 2, and Pentavalent 2 was 84% at 10weeks. The coverage for OPV3, Pentavalent3 and Pnemococcal3 was 74% at 14weeks. The immunization coverage was less than the district target of 90% for all the antigens at 6, 10 and 14 weeks. The study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of short message services reminders on immunization programme for Kadoma City. Methods: A Randomized Control Trial was conducted at Kadoma City Clinics. Woman who delivered in Kadoma and are residence of Kadoma City were recruited into the study within 72hours after delivery. In the intervention group Short Message Service reminders were sent at 6, 10 and 14 weeks. In the non-intervention no message reminders were used. Data were collected using a standardized interviewer administered pretested questionnaire. Data were collected in phases that are; soon after delivering, at 6, 10 and 14 weeks. Data were entered and analysed using Epi Info 7TM (CDC August 2012). The data were displayed on frequency tables, the means of continuous data were calculated and also contingency tables were used to analyze categorical data. iii Results: A total of 305 participants were recruited into the study. A total of 152 participants received the short message services as immunization reminders while 153 did not receive the short message reminders. The immunization coverage in the intervention group was 97% and in the non-intervention group was 82% at 6 weeks (p<0.001). At 10 weeks the immunization coverage was 96% and 80% in the intervention and non-intervention group respectively (p<001). Immunization coverage at 14 weeks for OPV3, Penta3 and PCV3 was 95% in the intervention group and 75% in the non-intervention group (p