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Liu J, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Tan H. Estimating the effects of interventions on increasing vaccination: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2025; 10:e017142. [PMID: 40204467 PMCID: PMC11987150 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-017142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2025] [Indexed: 04/11/2025] Open
Abstract
As global vaccination rates have reached their lowest point in nearly 15 years, effective interventions are being required globally to promote vaccination; however, there is a lack of rigorous evaluation of the effect of various interventions. Through a global synthesis, we analysed data from approximately 6 125 795 participants across 319 studies in 41 countries to reveal the global landscape of four intervention themes and to assess their effectiveness in increasing vaccination rates. We found an overall positive effect of the interventions across four main themes on improving vaccination. Specifically, dialogue-based interventions increased vaccination rates by 43.1% (95% CI: 29.8 to 57.9%, with effect sizes measured as relative risks (RRs)), though they may not always be effective in adolescents or in the sample with a higher percentage of male participants. Incentive-based interventions, whether implemented alone or combined with other intervention themes, failed to demonstrate a significant effect in children. Reminder/recall-based interventions were also effective for promoting vaccination (38.5% increase, 95% CI: 28.9 to 48.9%), particularly for completing vaccine series. Multi-component interventions exhibited excellent effectiveness in vaccination (54.3% increase, 95% CI: 40.5 to 69.6%), with the combination of dialogue, incentive and reminder/recall proving more effective than other multi-component interventions, but showing no significant effects in populations with high initial vaccination rates. However, we found that in most cases combining additional interventions with a single intervention may not significantly improve their effectiveness, especially for incentive-based interventions, but dialogue-based and reminder/recall-based interventions appear to be beneficial in some specific combinations. These findings underscore the importance of governments, public health officials and advocacy groups implementing appropriate vaccine interventions by selecting interventions tailored to specific populations, strategically promoting the completion of vaccine series and effectively combining interventions to promote global vaccination and save more lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayan Liu
- School of Design, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yingli Zhang
- School of Design, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haochun Zhang
- School of Design, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Tan
- School of Design, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Culture & Media Computing Research Center, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Portz J, Moore S, Bull S. Evolutionary Trends in the Adoption, Adaptation, and Abandonment of Mobile Health Technologies: Viewpoint Based on 25 Years of Research. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e62790. [PMID: 39331463 PMCID: PMC11470221 DOI: 10.2196/62790] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past quarter-century, mobile health (mHealth) technologies have experienced significant changes in adoption rates, adaptation strategies, and instances of abandonment. Understanding the underlying factors driving these trends is essential for optimizing the design, implementation, and sustainability of interventions using these technologies. The evolution of mHealth adoption has followed a progressive trajectory, starting with cautious exploration and later accelerating due to technological advancements, increased smartphone penetration, and growing acceptance of digital health solutions by both health care providers and patients. However, alongside widespread adoption, challenges related to usability, interoperability, privacy concerns, and socioeconomic disparities have emerged, necessitating ongoing adaptation efforts. While many mHealth initiatives have successfully adapted to address these challenges, technology abandonment remains common, often due to unsustainable business models, inadequate user engagement, and insufficient evidence of effectiveness. This paper utilizes the Nonadoption, Abandonment, Scale-Up, Spread, and Sustainability (NASSS) framework to examine the interplay between the academic and industry sectors in patterns of adoption, adaptation, and abandonment, using 3 major mHealth innovations as examples: health-related SMS text messaging, mobile apps and wearables, and social media for health communication. Health SMS text messaging has demonstrated significant potential as a tool for health promotion, disease management, and patient engagement. The proliferation of mobile apps and devices has facilitated a shift from in-person and in-clinic practices to mobile- and wearable-centric solutions, encompassing everything from simple activity trackers to advanced health monitoring devices. Social media, initially characterized by basic text-based interactions in chat rooms and online forums, underwent a paradigm shift with the emergence of platforms such as MySpace and Facebook. This transition ushered in an era of mass communication through social media. The rise of microblogging and visually focused platforms such as Twitter(now X), Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, along with the integration of live streaming and augmented reality features, exemplifies the ongoing innovation within the social media landscape. Over the past 25 years, there have been remarkable strides in the adoption and adaptation of mHealth technologies, driven by technological innovation and a growing recognition of their potential to revolutionize health care delivery. Each mobile technology uniquely enhances public health and health care by catering to different user needs. SMS text messaging offers wide accessibility and proven effectiveness, while mobile apps and wearables provide comprehensive functionalities for more in-depth health management. Social media platforms amplify these efforts with their vast reach and community-building potential, making it essential to select the right tool for specific health interventions to maximize impact and engagement. Nevertheless, continued efforts are needed to address persistent challenges and mitigate instances of abandonment, ensuring that mHealth interventions reach their full potential in improving health outcomes and advancing equitable access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Portz
- Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- mHealth Impact Lab, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Susan Moore
- mHealth Impact Lab, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Sheana Bull
- mHealth Impact Lab, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
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Muluneh MD, Abebe S, Ayele M, Mesfin N, Abrar M, Stulz V, Berhan M. Vaccination Coverage and Predictors of Vaccination among Children Aged 12-23 Months in the Pastoralist Communities of Ethiopia: A Mixed Methods Design. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:1112. [PMID: 39200721 PMCID: PMC11355035 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21081112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024]
Abstract
This study assessed vaccination coverage and its associated factors among children aged 12-23 months in pastoralist Ethiopia. It was conducted in three woredas of the Afar region using a community-based cross-sectional mixed methods design with quantitative and qualitative methods. A total of 413 mothers with children aged 12-23 months participated in the quantitative study via a simple random sampling technique. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with vaccination, and thematic analysis techniques were used for qualitative data. The percentage of patients who received full vaccination was 25%. Based on vaccination card observations, the dropout rate from Pentavalent-1 to Pentavalent-3 was found to be 2.9%. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between mothers and caretakers with formal education, those who owned mobile phones, had antenatal care (ANC) visits, and birthed at a health facility with full vaccination. The overall proportion of full immunization is lower than the target set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The findings suggest that programs and policy makers should prioritize improving the access and enrolment of women and caretakers, promoting mobile phone ownership, and encouraging ANC visits and the promotion of health facility deliveries, as these are associated with higher rates of immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muluken Dessalegn Muluneh
- Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, Bole Sub City, Woreda 03, P.O. Box 20855, Addis Ababa 1000, Ethiopia; (S.A.); (M.A.); (N.M.); (M.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Sintayehu Abebe
- Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, Bole Sub City, Woreda 03, P.O. Box 20855, Addis Ababa 1000, Ethiopia; (S.A.); (M.A.); (N.M.); (M.A.); (M.B.)
- Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, Melbourne University, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia
| | - Mihret Ayele
- Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, Bole Sub City, Woreda 03, P.O. Box 20855, Addis Ababa 1000, Ethiopia; (S.A.); (M.A.); (N.M.); (M.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Nuhamin Mesfin
- Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, Bole Sub City, Woreda 03, P.O. Box 20855, Addis Ababa 1000, Ethiopia; (S.A.); (M.A.); (N.M.); (M.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Mohammed Abrar
- Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, Bole Sub City, Woreda 03, P.O. Box 20855, Addis Ababa 1000, Ethiopia; (S.A.); (M.A.); (N.M.); (M.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Virginia Stulz
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia;
| | - Makida Berhan
- Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, Bole Sub City, Woreda 03, P.O. Box 20855, Addis Ababa 1000, Ethiopia; (S.A.); (M.A.); (N.M.); (M.A.); (M.B.)
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Muhoza P, Shah MP, Amponsa-Achiano K, Gao H, Quaye P, Opare W, Okae C, Aboyinga PN, Opare JKL, Ehlman DC, Wardle MT, Wallace AS. Timeliness of Childhood Vaccinations Following Strengthening of the Second Year of Life (2YL) Immunization Platform and Introduction of Catch-Up Vaccination Policy in Ghana. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:716. [PMID: 39066354 PMCID: PMC11281534 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Strengthening routine immunization systems to successfully deliver childhood vaccines during the second year of life (2YL) is critical for vaccine-preventable disease control. In Ghana, the 18-month visit provides opportunities to deliver the second dose of the measles-rubella vaccine (MR2) and for healthcare workers to assess for and provide children with any missed vaccine doses. In 2016, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) revised its national immunization policies to include guidelines for catch-up vaccinations. This study assessed the change in the timely receipt of vaccinations per Ghana's Expanded Program on Immunizations (EPI) schedule, an important indicator of service quality, following the introduction of the catch-up policy and implementation of a multifaceted intervention package. Vaccination coverage was assessed from household surveys conducted in the Greater Accra, Northern, and Volta regions for 392 and 931 children aged 24-35 months with documented immunization history in 2016 and 2020, respectively. Age at receipt of childhood vaccines was compared to the recommended age, as per the EPI schedule. Cumulative days under-vaccinated during the first 24 months of life for each recommended dose were assessed. Multivariable Cox regression was used to assess the associations between child and caregiver characteristics and time to MR2 vaccination. From 2016 to 2020, the proportion of children receiving all recommended doses on schedule generally improved, the duration of under-vaccination was shortened for most doses, and higher coverage rates were achieved at earlier ages for the MR series. More timely infant doses and caregiver awareness of the 2YL visit were positively associated with MR2 vaccination. Fostering a well-supported cadre of vaccinators, building community demand for 2YL vaccination, sustaining service utilization through strengthened defaulter tracking and caregiver-reminder systems, and creating a favorable policy environment that promotes vaccination over the life course are critical to improving the timeliness of childhood vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Muhoza
- Global Immunization Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Monica P. Shah
- Global Immunization Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Kwame Amponsa-Achiano
- Expanded Programme on Immunisation, Disease Control and Prevention Department, Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra P.O. Box M 44, Ghana
| | - Hongjiang Gao
- Global Immunization Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Pamela Quaye
- Expanded Programme on Immunisation, Disease Control and Prevention Department, Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra P.O. Box M 44, Ghana
| | - William Opare
- Expanded Programme on Immunisation, Disease Control and Prevention Department, Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra P.O. Box M 44, Ghana
| | - Charlotte Okae
- Expanded Programme on Immunisation, Disease Control and Prevention Department, Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra P.O. Box M 44, Ghana
| | - Philip-Neri Aboyinga
- Expanded Programme on Immunisation, Disease Control and Prevention Department, Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra P.O. Box M 44, Ghana
| | - Joseph Kwadwo Larbi Opare
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme, Disease Control and Prevention Department, Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra P.O. Box M 44, Ghana
| | - Daniel C. Ehlman
- Global Immunization Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Melissa T. Wardle
- Global Immunization Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Aaron S. Wallace
- Global Immunization Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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Jain M, Duvendack M, Shisler S, Parsekar SS, Leon MDA. Effective interventions for improving routine childhood immunisation in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review of systematic reviews. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e074370. [PMID: 38365291 PMCID: PMC10875475 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074370] [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] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An umbrella review providing a comprehensive synthesis of the interventions that are effective in providing routine immunisation outcomes for children in low and middle-income countries (L&MICs). DESIGN A systematic review of systematic reviews, or an umbrella review. DATA SOURCES We comprehensively searched 11 academic databases and 23 grey literature sources. The search was adopted from an evidence gap map on routine child immunisation sector in L&MICs, which was done on 5 May 2020. We updated the search in October 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included systematic reviews assessing the effectiveness of any intervention on routine childhood immunisation outcomes in L&MICs. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Search results were screened by two reviewers independently applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted by two researchers independently. The Specialist Unit for Review Evidence checklist was used to assess review quality. A mixed-methods synthesis was employed focusing on meta-analytical and narrative elements to accommodate both the quantitative and qualitative information available from the included reviews. RESULTS 62 systematic reviews are included in this umbrella review. We find caregiver-oriented interventions have large positive and statistically significant effects, especially those focusing on short-term sensitisation and education campaigns as well as written messages to caregivers. For health system-oriented interventions the evidence base is thin and derived from narrative synthesis suggesting positive effects for home visits, mixed effects for pay-for-performance schemes and inconclusive effects for contracting out services to non-governmental providers. For all other interventions under this category, the evidence is either limited or not available. For community-oriented interventions, a recent high-quality mixed-methods review suggests positive but small effects. Overall, the evidence base is highly heterogenous in terms of scope, intervention types and outcomes. CONCLUSION Interventions oriented towards caregivers and communities are effective in improving routine child immunisation outcomes. The evidence base on health system-oriented interventions is scant not allowing us to reach firm conclusions, except for home visits. Large evidence gaps exist and need to be addressed. For example, more high-quality evidence is needed for specific caregiver-oriented interventions (eg, monetary incentives) as well as health system-oriented (eg, health workers and data systems) and community-oriented interventions. We also need to better understand complementarity of different intervention types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Jain
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | | - Shannon Shisler
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, Washington, DC, USA
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Vasudevan L, Ostermann J, Thielman N, Baumgartner JN, Solomon D, Mosses A, Hobbie A, Hair NL, Liang C, van Zwetselaar M, Mfinanga S, Ngadaya E. Leveraging Community Health Workers and a Responsive Digital Health System to Improve Vaccination Coverage and Timeliness in Resource-Limited Settings: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Type 1 Effectiveness-Implementation Hybrid Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e52523. [PMID: 38214956 PMCID: PMC10818232 DOI: 10.2196/52523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tanzania is 1 of 20 countries where the majority of unvaccinated and undervaccinated children reside. Prior research identified substantial rural-urban disparities in the coverage and timeliness of childhood vaccinations in Tanzania, with children in rural settings being more likely to receive delayed or no vaccinations. Further research is necessary to identify effective and scalable interventions that can bridge rural-urban gaps in childhood vaccination while accounting for multifaceted barriers to vaccination. OBJECTIVE This protocol describes a type 1 effectiveness-implementation hybrid study to evaluate Chanjo Kwa Wakati (timely vaccination in Kiswahili), a community-based digital health intervention to improve vaccination timeliness. The intervention combines human resources (community health workers), low-cost digital strategies (electronic communication, digital case management, and task automation), a vaccination knowledge intervention, and insights from behavioral economics (reminders and incentives) to promote timely childhood vaccinations. METHODS The study will be conducted in 2 predominantly rural regions in Tanzania with large numbers of unvaccinated or undervaccinated children: Shinyanga and Mwanza. Forty rural health facilities and their catchment areas (clusters) will be randomized to an early or delayed onset study arm. From each cluster, 3 cohorts of mother-child dyads (1 retrospective cohort and 2 prospective cohorts) will be enrolled in the study. The timeliness and coverage of all vaccinations recommended during the first year of life will be observed for 1200 children (n=600, 50% intervention group children and n=600, 50% nonintervention group children). The primary effectiveness outcome will be the timeliness of the third dose of the pentavalent vaccine (Penta3). Quantitative surveys, vaccination records, study logs, fidelity checklists, and qualitative interviews with mothers and key informants will inform the 5 constructs of the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. The results will be used to develop an implementation blueprint to guide future adaptations and scale-up of Chanjo Kwa Wakati. RESULTS The study was funded in August 2022. Data collection is expected to last from February 2024 to July 2027. CONCLUSIONS This study will address the lack of rigorous evidence on the effectiveness of community-based digital health interventions for promoting vaccination coverage and timeliness among children from sub-Saharan Africa and identify potential implementation strategies to facilitate the deployment of vaccination promotion interventions in low- and middle-income countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06024317; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06024317. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/52523.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya Vasudevan
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jan Ostermann
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Nathan Thielman
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Joy Noel Baumgartner
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - David Solomon
- National Institute for Medical Research, Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Anna Mosses
- National Institute for Medical Research, Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Amy Hobbie
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nicole L Hair
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | | | - Sayoki Mfinanga
- National Institute for Medical Research, Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Esther Ngadaya
- National Institute for Medical Research, Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
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Fulurija A, Cunningham MW, Korotkova N, Masterson MY, Bansal GP, Baker MG, Cannon JW, Carapetis JR, Steer AC. Research opportunities for the primordial prevention of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease-streptococcal vaccine development: a national heart, lung and blood institute workshop report. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013534. [PMID: 38164699 PMCID: PMC10729269 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013534] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus (StrepA), is a bacterium that causes a range of human diseases, including pharyngitis, impetigo, invasive infections, and post-infection immune sequelae such as rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. StrepA infections cause some of the highest burden of disease and death in mostly young populations in low-resource settings. Despite decades of effort, there is still no licensed StrepA vaccine, which if developed, could be a cost-effective way to reduce the incidence of disease. Several challenges, including technical and regulatory hurdles, safety concerns and a lack of investment have hindered StrepA vaccine development. Barriers to developing a StrepA vaccine must be overcome in the future by prioritising key areas of research including greater understanding of StrepA immunobiology and autoimmunity risk, better animal models that mimic human disease, expanding the StrepA vaccine pipeline and supporting vaccine clinical trials. The development of a StrepA vaccine is a complex and challenging process that requires significant resources and investment. Given the global burden of StrepA infections and the potential for a vaccine to save lives and livelihoods, StrepA vaccine development is an area of research that deserves considerable support. This report summarises the findings of the Primordial Prevention Working Group-VAX, which was convened in November 2021 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The focus of this report is to identify research gaps within the current StrepA vaccine landscape and find opportunities and develop priorities to promote the rapid and successful advancement of StrepA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Fulurija
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Madeleine W Cunningham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Natalia Korotkova
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Mary Y Masterson
- Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science (CTRIS), National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Geetha P Bansal
- John E Fogarty International Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael G Baker
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeffrey W Cannon
- Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan R Carapetis
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Infection, Immunity and Global Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Kazemian A, Hoseinzadeh M, Banihashem Rad SA, Jouya A, Tahani B. Nudging oral habits; application of behavioral economics in oral health promotion: a critical review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1243246. [PMID: 38145077 PMCID: PMC10739307 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1243246] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oral health disorders significantly contribute to the global incidence of chronic diseases. Nudge interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing people's decision-making and self-management capacities in a cost-efficient manner. As a result, these interventions could be valuable tools for fostering improved oral care habits. This critical review explores potential behavioral nudges applicable to promoting oral health. Methods A thorough electronic literature search was conducted on Scopus, Embase, and PubMed databases for papers published post-2008. The search focused on empirical evidence concerning the direct and indirect application of Nudge theory in oral health enhancement. In addition, the investigation included the nudge intervention's role in managing common non-communicable disease risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, and sugar) and their use in other health sectors. Results and conclusion There is a dearth of studies on behavioral economics, particularly those involving reward and reminder techniques. However, various successful nudge interventions have been identified in other sectors that aim to improve health decisions. These include strategies encouraging healthier nutritional choices, tobacco and alcohol cessation, medication compliance, routine physical activity, and regular health check-ups. Such interventions can also have direct or indirect positive impacts on oral health. Implementing these interventions within an oral care framework could promote oral health due to similar underlying cognitive mechanisms. However, different types of nudge interventions have varying degrees of effectiveness. Furthermore, factors such as the method of delivery and the characteristics of the targeted population significantly influence the outcome of the intervention. Hence, it is imperative to conduct extensive studies in diverse socioeconomic settings to fully understand the potentials, limitations, and impacts of nudge interventions in promoting oral health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kazemian
- Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Melika Hoseinzadeh
- Dental Research Center, Mashhad Dental School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Ahmad Banihashem Rad
- Department of Restorative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anahid Jouya
- Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bahareh Tahani
- Department of Oral Public Health, Dental Research Center, School of Dentistry, Dental Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Zare Z, Hajizadeh E, Mahmoodi M, Nazari R, Shahmoradi L, Rezayi S. Smartphone-based application to control and prevent overweight and obesity in children: design and evaluation. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2023; 23:201. [PMID: 37794423 PMCID: PMC10548714 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-023-02304-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a multifaceted condition that impacts individuals across various age, racial, and socioeconomic demographics, hence rendering them susceptible to a range of health complications and an increased risk of premature mortality. The frequency of obesity among adolescent females in Iran has exhibited an increase from 6 to 9%, while among boys, it has risen from 2 to 7%. Due to the increasing prevalence and advancements in technology, the primary objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a smartphone-based app that would serve as an educational tool for parents about the matter of childhood overweight and obesity. Additionally, the app aimed to enhance parents' capacity to effectively address and manage their children's weight-related concerns. METHODS The design of the present study is of an applied-developmental type. In the first phase, the content of related smartphone-based app was determined based on the needs identified in similar studies and the findings of a researcher-made questionnaire. The versions of the app were designed in the android studio 3 programming environment, using the Java 8 programming language and SQLite database. Then, in order to evaluate the app's usability, ease of access, and different features, the standard usability evaluation questionnaire and the user satisfaction questionnaire (QUIS) were completed by the users. RESULTS The developed app has five main sections: the main page, recommendation section (with eight parts), charts over the time, child psychology, and reminders for each user. The designed app was given to 20 people including nutritionists and parents with children under 18 years of age for conducting usability evaluation. According to the scores of participants about the usability evaluation of the app, it can be concluded that groups participating in the study could use the program, and they rated the app at a "good" level. Overall performance of the app, screen capabilities, terms and information of the program, learnability, and general features are scored higher than 7.5 out of 9. CONCLUSION By using this app, people can become familiar with the causes and symptoms of weight imbalance and manage their weight as best as possible. This app can be considered as a model for designing and creating similar broader systems and programs for the prevention, management, treatment and care of diseases, which aim to help control diseases as much as possible and increase the quality of life and reduce complications for be patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Zare
- Department of Operating Room, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elmira Hajizadeh
- Department of Health Information Management and Medical Informatics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Mahmoodi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Nazari
- Department of Health Information Management and Medical Informatics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Shahmoradi
- Department of Health Information Management and Medical Informatics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sorayya Rezayi
- Department of Health Information Management and Medical Informatics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Chaney SC, Mechael P. So Many Choices, How Do I Choose? Considerations for Selecting Digital Health Interventions to Support Immunization Confidence and Demand. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e47713. [PMID: 37223980 DOI: 10.2196/47713] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood vaccines are a safe, effective, and essential component of any comprehensive public health system. Successful and complete child immunization requires sensitivity and responsiveness to community needs and concerns while reducing barriers to access and providing respectful quality services. Community demand for immunization is influenced by multiple complex factors, involving attitudes, trust, and the dynamic relationship between caregivers and health workers. Digital health interventions have the potential to help reduce barriers and enhance opportunities for immunization access, uptake, and demand in low- and middle-income countries. But with limited evidence and many interventions to choose from, how do decision makers identify promising and appropriate tools? Early evidence and experiences with digital health interventions for immunization demand are presented in this viewpoint to help stakeholders make decisions, guide investment, coordinate efforts, as well as design and implement digital health interventions to support vaccine confidence and demand.
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11
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Cardoso Pinto AM, Shariq S, Ranasinghe L, Sundar Budhathoki S, Skirrow H, Whittaker E, Seddon JA. Reasons for reductions in routine childhood immunisation uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001415. [PMID: 36963003 PMCID: PMC10021156 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a substantial decline in routine immunisation coverage in children globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study summarises the reasons for disruptions to routine child immunisations in LMICs. A systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42021286386) was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Six databases were searched: MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL, Scopus and MedRxiv, on 11/02/2022. Observational and qualitative studies published from January 2020 onwards were included if exploring reasons for missed immunisations during the COVID-19 pandemic in LMICs. Study appraisal used National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tools. Reasons for disruption were defined with descriptive codes; cross-sectional (quantitative) data were summarised as mean percentages of responses weighted by study population, and qualitative data were summarised narratively. A total of thirteen studies were included describing reasons behind disruptions; 7 cross-sectional (quantitative), 5 qualitative and 1 mixed methods. Seventeen reasons for disruptions were identified. In quantitative studies (total respondents = 2,853), the most common reasons identified were fear of COVID-19 and consequential avoidance of health centres (41.2%, SD ±13.3%), followed by transport challenges preventing both families and healthcare professionals from reaching vaccination services (11.1% SD ±16.6%). Most reasons stemmed from reduced healthcare-seeking (83.4%), as opposed to healthcare-delivery issues (15.2%). Qualitative studies showed a more even balance of healthcare-seeking (49.5%) and healthcare-delivery issues (50.5%), with fear of COVID-19 remaining a major identified issue (total respondents = 92). The most common reasons for disruption were parental fear of COVID-19 and avoidance of health services. Health systems must therefore prioritise public health messaging to encourage vaccine uptake and recovery of missed immunisations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sameed Shariq
- School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lasith Ranasinghe
- Academic Foundation Doctor, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shyam Sundar Budhathoki
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Skirrow
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Whittaker
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James A. Seddon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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12
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Meyer CL, Surmeli A, Hoeflin Hana C, Narla NP. Perceptions on a mobile health intervention to improve maternal child health for Syrian refugees in Turkey: Opportunities and challenges for end-user acceptability. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1025675. [PMID: 36483243 PMCID: PMC9722941 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1025675] [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: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile health (mhealth) technology presents an opportunity to address many unique challenges refugee populations face when accessing healthcare. A robust body of evidence supports the use of mobile phone-based reminder platforms to increase timely and comprehensive access to health services. Yet, there is a dearth of research in their development for displaced populations, as well as refugee perspectives in design processes to improve effective adoptions of mhealth interventions. Objective This study aimed to explore healthcare barriers faced by Syrian refugee women in Turkey, and their perceptions of a maternal-child health mobile application designed to provide antenatal care and vaccine services. These findings guided development of a framework for enhancing acceptability of mobile health applications specific to refugee end-users. Methods Syrian refugee women who were pregnant or had at least one child under the age of 2 years old at the time of recruitment (n = 14) participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Participants had the opportunity to directly interact with an operational maternal-child health mobile application during the interview. Using a grounded theory approach, we identified critical factors and qualities mhealth developers should consider when developing user-friendly applications for refugees. Results It was observed that a refugee's perception of the mobile health application's usability was heavily influenced by past healthcare experiences and the contextual challenges they face while accessing healthcare. The in-depth interviews with refugee end-users identified that data security, offline capability, clear-user directions, and data retrievability were critical qualities to build into mobile health applications. Among the features included in the maternal-child health application, participants most valued the childhood vaccination reminder and health information features. Furthermore, the application's multi-lingual modes (Arabic, Turkish, and English) strengthened the application's usability among Syrian refugee populations living in Turkey. Conclusions The inclusion of refugee perceptions in mhealth applications offers unique developer insights for building more inclusive and effective tools for vulnerable populations. Basic upfront discussions of the mobile application's health goals and its personal value to the user may improve their long-term use. Further prospective research is needed on retention and use of mobile health applications for refugee women and other displaced populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L. Meyer
- Center for Global Noncommunicable Diseases, RTI International, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Caitlyn Hoeflin Hana
- Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Nirmala P. Narla
- HERA Inc, Boston, MA, United States,*Correspondence: Nirmala P. Narla
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13
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Yunusa U, Ibrahim AH, Ladan MA, Gomaa HEM. Effect of mobile phone text message and call reminders in the completeness of pentavalent vaccines in Kano state, Nigeria. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 64:e77-e83. [PMID: 35042638 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2021.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study assessed the effect of mobile phone text message and call reminders in the completeness of the pentavalent vaccine administered against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenza. DESIGN AND METHODS The population for this quasi-experimental study were recent mothers of children not more than three weeks old selected from six local government areas of Kano State, Northern Nigeria. Three local government areas were each allocated to the intervention (reminder) and control groups of the study. Mobile phone reminders (SMS and follow-up calls) were sent to mothers in the reminder group three days to and on the due date of their child's schedule for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd doses of the pentavalent vaccine. All statistical data were entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS A total of 541 mothers (271 in the intervention group and 270 in the control group) participated in the study. Completion rates for the three doses of the pentavalent vaccine were observed to be higher for children in the reminder group (n = 161, 59.4%) compared to those in the control group (n = 92, 34.1%). CONCLUSION Mobile phone reminders were effective and improved the rate of completeness of the pentavalent vaccine in the studied population. In line with the findings of the study, it is recommended that future studies should focus on identifying the best approach to remind parents either through SMS, phone calls, or voice messages or a combination of any of the approaches. PRACTICE IMPLICATION Nurses and other health care providers will have empirical evidence on the use of mobile phone technology to improve the health and wellbeing of children by protecting them from vaccine-preventable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umar Yunusa
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria; Africa Center of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), Bayero University Kano, Nigeria.
| | - Abdullahi Haruna Ibrahim
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria; Africa Center of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
| | - Muhammad Awwal Ladan
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria; Africa Center of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
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14
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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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Wang Q, Xiu S, Yang L, Han Y, Huang J, Cui T, Shi N, Liu M, Wang X, Lu B, Jin H, Lin L. Delays in routine childhood vaccinations and their relationship with parental vaccine hesitancy: a cross-sectional study in Wuxi, China. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 21:135-143. [PMID: 34789062 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2008244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine childhood vaccination delay, explore the association between vaccination delay and parental vaccine hesitancy, and assess childhood vaccination delays during the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic in China. METHODS This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Wuxi City. Participants were recruited from local vaccination clinics. Questionnaires were used to collect information about socio-demographics, vaccine hesitancy, and immunization clinic evaluations. Vaccination records were obtained from the Jiangsu Information Management System of Vaccination Cases. RESULTS Overall, 2728 participants were included. The coverage for seven category A vaccines (Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI)) was more than 95% at 24 months. The proportion of children vaccinated in a timely manner was the highest for the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine (91.6%) and the lowest for the Bacillus-Calmette-Guerin vaccine (44.6%). More than 50% of the planned vaccinations were delayed in February and March 2020. The Vaccine Hesitancy Scale scores were not associated with vaccination delay (P = 0.842). Children's vaccination delays were negatively associated with parents who reported convenient access to clinics and satisfaction with immunization services (P = 0.020, P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS EPI is highly successful in China. Despite vaccination delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, coverage was recovered after lockdown restrictions were eased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Shixin Xiu
- Department of Immunization Planning, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, PR China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Jinxin Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Tingting Cui
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Naiyang Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Minqi Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Xuwen Wang
- Department of Immunization Planning, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, PR China
| | - Bing Lu
- Department of Immunization Planning, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, PR China
| | - Hui Jin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Leesa Lin
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
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Chakraborty A, Mohan D, Scott K, Sahore A, Shah N, Kumar N, Ummer O, Bashingwa JJH, Chamberlain S, Dutt P, Godfrey A, LeFevre AE. Does exposure to health information through mobile phones increase immunisation knowledge, completeness and timeliness in rural India? BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-005489. [PMID: 34312153 PMCID: PMC8728358 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immunisation plays a vital role in reducing child mortality and morbidity against preventable diseases. As part of a randomised controlled trial in rural Madhya Pradesh, India to assess the impact of Kilkari, a maternal messaging programme, we explored determinants of parental immunisation knowledge and immunisation practice (completeness and timeliness) for children 0–12 months of age from four districts in Madhya Pradesh. Methods Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey of women (n=4423) with access to a mobile phone and their spouses (n=3781). Parental knowledge about immunisation and their child’s receipt of vaccines, including timeliness and completeness, was assessed using self-reports and vaccination cards. Ordered logistic regressions were used to analyse the factors associated with parental immunisation knowledge. A Heckman two-stage probit model was used to analyse completeness and timeliness of immunisation after correcting for selection bias from being able to produce the immunisation card. Results One-third (33%) of women and men knew the timing for the start of vaccinations, diseases linked to immunisations and the benefits of Vitamin-A. Less than half of children had received the basic package of 8 vaccines (47%) and the comprehensive package of 19 vaccines (44%). Wealth was the most significant determinant of men’s knowledge and of the child receiving complete and timely immunisation for both basic and comprehensive packages. Exposure to Kilkari content on immunisation was significantly associated with an increase in men’s knowledge (but not women’s) about child immunisation (OR: 1.23, 95% CI 1.02 to1.48) and an increase in the timeliness of the child receiving vaccination at birth (Probit coefficient: 0.08, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.24). Conclusion Gaps in complete and timely immunisation for infants persist in rural India. Mobile messaging programmes, supported by mass media messages, may provide one important source for bolstering awareness, uptake and timeliness of immunisation services. Trial registration number NCT03576157.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Chakraborty
- Statistics, Evidence, Accountability Programme, Oxford Policy Management, New Delhi, India
| | - Diwakar Mohan
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kerry Scott
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Agrima Sahore
- Statistics, Evidence, Accountability Programme, Oxford Policy Management, New Delhi, India
| | - Neha Shah
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nayan Kumar
- Statistics, Evidence, Accountability Programme, Oxford Policy Management, New Delhi, India
| | - Osama Ummer
- Statistics, Evidence, Accountability Programme, Oxford Policy Management, New Delhi, India.,BBC Media Action India, New Delhi, India
| | - Jean Juste Harrisson Bashingwa
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Amnesty Elizabeth LeFevre
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
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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: 5.3] [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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18
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Mekonnen ZA, Gelaye KA, Were M, Tilahun B. Effect of Mobile Phone Text Message Reminders on the Completion and Timely Receipt of Routine Childhood Vaccinations: Superiority Randomized Controlled Trial in Northwest Ethiopia. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e27603. [PMID: 34128813 PMCID: PMC8277338 DOI: 10.2196/27603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonattendance at vaccination appointments is a big challenge for health workers as it is difficult to track routine vaccination schedules. In Ethiopia, 3 out of 10 children have incomplete vaccination and the timely receipt of the recommended vaccines is low. Thus, innovative strategies are required to reach the last mile where mobile technology can be effectively utilized to achieve better compliance. Despite this promising technology, little is known about the role of text message-based mobile health interventions in improving the complete and timely receipt of routine childhood vaccinations in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE This trial aimed to determine the effect of mobile phone text message reminders on the completion and timely receipt of routine childhood vaccinations in northwest Ethiopia. METHODS A two-arm, parallel, superiority randomized controlled trial was conducted in 9 health facilities in northwest Ethiopia. A sample size of 434 mother-infant pairs was considered in this trial. Randomization was applied in selected health facilities during enrollment with a 1:1 allocation ratio by using sealed and opaque envelopes. Participants assigned to the intervention group received mobile phone text message reminders one day before the scheduled vaccination visits. Owing to the nature of the intervention, blinding of participants was not possible. Primary outcomes of full and timely completion of vaccinations were measured objectively at 12 months. A two-sample test of proportion and log-binomial regression analyses were used to compare the outcomes between the study groups. A modified intention-to-treat analysis approach was applied and a one-tailed test was reported, considering the superiority design of the trial. RESULTS A total of 426 participants were included for the analysis. We found that a higher proportion of infants in the intervention group received Penta-3 (204/213, 95.8% vs 185/213, 86.9%, respectively; P<.001), measles (195/213, 91.5% vs 169/213, 79.3%, respectively; P<.001), and full vaccination (176/213, 82.6% vs 151/213, 70.9%, respectively; P=.002; risk ratio 1.17, 95% lower CI 1.07) compared to infants in the usual care group. Similarly, a higher proportion of infants in the intervention group received Penta-3 (181/204, 88.7% vs 128/185, 69.2%, respectively; P<.001), measles (170/195, 87.1% vs 116/169, 68.6%, respectively; P<.001), and all scheduled vaccinations (135/213, 63.3% vs 85/213, 39.9%, respectively; P<.001; risk ratio 1.59, 95% lower CI 1.35) on time compared to infants in the usual care group. Of the automatically sent 852 mobile phone text messages, 764 (89.7%) were delivered successfully to the participants. CONCLUSIONS Mobile phone text message reminders significantly improved complete and timely receipt of all recommended vaccines. Besides, they had a significant effect in improving the timely receipt of specific vaccines. Thus, text message reminders can be used to supplement the routine immunization program in resource-limited settings. Considering different contexts, studies on the implementation challenges of mobile health interventions are recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION Pan African Clinical Trial Registry PACTR201901533237287; https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=5839.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeleke Abebaw Mekonnen
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahun Alemu Gelaye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Martin Were
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Binyam Tilahun
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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19
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Besnier E, Thomson K, Stonkute D, Mohammad T, Akhter N, Todd A, Rom Jensen M, Kilvik A, Bambra C. Which public health interventions are effective in reducing morbidity, mortality and health inequalities from infectious diseases amongst children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): An umbrella review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251905. [PMID: 34111134 PMCID: PMC8191901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in the last few decades, infectious diseases remain a major threat to child health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)-particularly amongst more disadvantaged groups. It is imperative to understand the best available evidence concerning which public health interventions reduce morbidity, mortality and health inequalities in children aged under five years. To address this gap, we carried out an umbrella review (a systematic reviews of reviews) to identify evidence on the effects of public health interventions (promotion, protection, prevention) on morbidity, mortality and/or health inequalities due to infectious diseases amongst children in LMICs. Ten databases were searched for records published between 2014-2021 alongside a manual search of gray literature. Articles were quality-assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews tool (AMSTAR 2). A narrative synthesis was conducted. We identified 60 systematic reviews synthesizing 453 individual primary studies. A majority of the reviews reported on preventive interventions (n = 48), with a minority on promotion (n = 17) and almost no reviews covering health protection interventions (n = 2). Effective interventions for improving child health across the whole population, as well as the most disadvantaged included communication, education and social mobilization for specific preventive services or tools, such as immunization or bed nets. For all other interventions, the effects were either unclear, unknown or detrimental, either at the overall population level or regarding health inequalities. We found few reviews reporting health inequalities information and the quality of the evidence base was generally low. Our umbrella review identified some prevention interventions that might be useful in reducing under five mortality from infectious diseases in LMICs, particularly amongst the most disadvantaged groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Besnier
- Department of Sociology and Political Science, Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Katie Thomson
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Donata Stonkute
- CHAIN, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Talal Mohammad
- CHAIN, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Nasima Akhter
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Todd
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Magnus Rom Jensen
- Library Section for Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Astrid Kilvik
- Medicine and Health Library, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Clare Bambra
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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