%0 Journal Article
%@ 2291-5222
%I JMIR Publications Inc.
%V 3
%N 1
%P e4
%T Application of Mobile Technology for Improving Expanded Program on Immunization Among Highland Minority and Stateless Populations in Northern Thailand Border
%A Kaewkungwal,Jaranit
%A Apidechkul,Tawatchai
%A Jandee,Kasemsak
%A Khamsiriwatchara,Amnat
%A Lawpoolsri,Saranath
%A Sawang,Surasak
%A Sangvichean,Aumnuyphan
%A Wansatid,Peerawat
%A Krongrungroj,Sarinya
%+ Center of Excellence for Biomedical and Public Health Informatics (BIOPHICS), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, The 60 Anniversary of His Majesty the King's Accession to the Throne Building, 3rd - 4th floor,, 420/6, Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand, 66 23549181, jaranitk@biophics.org
%K expanded program on immunization
%K EPI
%K hill tribes
%K stateless
%K behavioral change communication
%K mobile technology
%D 2015
%7 14.01.2015
%9 Original Paper
%J JMIR mHealth uHealth
%G English
%X 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. 
%M 25589367
%R 10.2196/mhealth.3704
%U http://mhealth.jmir.org/2015/1/e4/
%U https://doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.3704
%U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25589367