SEARCH Study: SMS and Automated Phone Reminders for HPV Vaccination in Uganda: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Cervical cancer is a leading cause of female cancer in Uganda, with late-stage diagnoses being common.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is crucial for primary prevention.
• Limited research exists on text message vaccine reminders for adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of text message and automated phone reminders with educational content on timely HPV vaccination.
• To assess the impact of these reminders in Kampala, Uganda, among adolescents.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized controlled trial involving 154 caregivers of adolescents due for HPV vaccination.
• Families were randomized to receive either intervention (text/phone reminders with education) or usual care.
• Vaccination status was assessed at 24 weeks using intention-to-treat analysis.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significantly higher rates of timely HPV vaccination (65.4% vs. 37.7%, p<0.001).
• Both text messages and automated phone calls were effective, with no significant difference between modes.
• The number needed to message for one additional vaccination was 3.6.

Conclusions:

• Automated text message and phone call reminders are effective tools for promoting timely HPV vaccination.
• This intervention shows promise for increasing HPV vaccine uptake in low- and middle-income countries.
• The study highlights a scalable and accessible method for improving vaccination coverage.