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

BACKGROUND: Globally- non-attendance for immunization appointments remains a challenge to healthcare providers. A review of the 2011 immunization coverage for Kadoma City- Zimbabwe was 74% for Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)- Pneumococcal and Pentavalent antigens. The immunization coverage was less than 90%- which is the target for Kadoma City. Adoption of short message services (SMS) reminders has been shown to enhance attendance in some medical settings. The study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of SMS reminders on immunization programme for Kadoma City. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Kadoma City clinics in Zimbabwe. Women who delivered and were residents of Kadoma City were recruited into the study. In the intervention group- SMS reminders were sent at 6- 10 and 14 weeks in addition to routine health education. In the non-intervention no SMS reminders were used- however routine health education was offered. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Dat