@Article{info:doi/10.2196/mhealth.3704,
author="Kaewkungwal, Jaranit
and Apidechkul, Tawatchai
and Jandee, Kasemsak
and Khamsiriwatchara, Amnat
and Lawpoolsri, Saranath
and Sawang, Surasak
and Sangvichean, Aumnuyphan
and Wansatid, Peerawat
and Krongrungroj, Sarinya",
title="Application of Mobile Technology for Improving Expanded Program on Immunization Among Highland Minority and Stateless Populations in Northern Thailand Border",
journal="JMIR mHealth uHealth",
year="2015",
month="Jan",
day="14",
volume="3",
number="1",
pages="e4",
keywords="expanded program on immunization; EPI; hill tribes; stateless; behavioral change communication; mobile technology",
abstract="Background: Studies 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. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess project outcomes regarding immunization coverage, as well as maternal attitudes and practices toward immunization. Methods: The ``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. Results: This 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. Conclusions: The 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. ",
issn="2291-5222",
doi="10.2196/mhealth.3704",
url="http://mhealth.jmir.org/2015/1/e4/",
url="https://doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.3704",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25589367"
}