TY  - JOUR
AU  - Kaewkungwal, Jaranit
AU  - Apidechkul, Tawatchai
AU  - Jandee, Kasemsak
AU  - Khamsiriwatchara, Amnat
AU  - Lawpoolsri, Saranath
AU  - Sawang, Surasak
AU  - Sangvichean, Aumnuyphan
AU  - Wansatid, Peerawat
AU  - Krongrungroj, Sarinya
PY  - 2015
DA  - 2015/01/14
TI  - Application of Mobile Technology for Improving Expanded Program on Immunization Among Highland Minority and Stateless Populations in Northern Thailand Border
JO  - JMIR mHealth uHealth
SP  - e4
VL  - 3
IS  - 1
KW  - expanded program on immunization
KW  - EPI
KW  - hill tribes
KW  - stateless
KW  - behavioral change communication
KW  - mobile technology
AB  - 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. 
SN  - 2291-5222
UR  - http://mhealth.jmir.org/2015/1/e4/
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.3704
UR  - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25589367
DO  - 10.2196/mhealth.3704
ID  - info:doi/10.2196/mhealth.3704
ER  -