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

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Global Health

Background:

• Cervical cancer is the leading cancer among women in Uganda, with most cases diagnosed at late stages.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is crucial for primary prevention of cervical cancer.
• Limited research exists on vaccine reminder effectiveness in adolescent populations in low- and middle-income countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of automated text message and phone call reminders with educational content on HPV vaccination timeliness.
• To assess the feasibility of using mobile technology for vaccine reminders in Kampala, Uganda.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized controlled trial involved 154 caregivers of adolescents requiring HPV vaccination.
• Participants were randomized to receive either automated text/phone reminders with educational information or usual care.
• Vaccination status was assessed at 24 weeks post-enrollment using intention-to-treat principles.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significantly higher rates of timely HPV vaccination compared to the usual care group (65.4% vs. 35.5%, P<.001).
• Both SMS text message and automated phone reminders were equally effective.
• The number needed to message for one additional vaccination was 3.4.

Conclusions:

• Automated text message and phone call reminders are effective in promoting timely HPV vaccination among adolescents in Kampala, Uganda.
• This intervention demonstrates a potential strategy to improve vaccine coverage in similar low-resource settings.