Short Message Service-based intervention to improve child immunization visit rates: preliminary findings from a pilot activity in communities with low immunization appointment rates in the Lviv Region
Background. Digital health interventions, particularly Short Message Service (SMS) notifications, have significant potential to improve healthcare outcomes, including vaccination rates. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and disruptions to healthcare infrastructure have increased the urgency for innova...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Zaslavsky O.Yu.
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Zdorovʹe Rebenka |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://childshealth.zaslavsky.com.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/1831 |
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| Summary: | Background. Digital health interventions, particularly Short Message Service (SMS) notifications, have significant potential to improve healthcare outcomes, including vaccination rates. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and disruptions to healthcare infrastructure have increased the urgency for innovative strategies to maintain routine immunization services. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an SMS-based intervention designed to enhance childhood immunization visit rates in selected communities with historically low vaccination attendance in the Lviv Region, Ukraine. Materials and methods. A targeted SMS campaign was implemented in October-November 2024, conducted in two stages. Initial messages were sent to 41,392 mobile subscribers. Vaccination records from the electronic healthcare system were analyzed, focusing on primary childhood vaccines (DTP, Polio, MMR). Pearson’s correlation and chi-square tests were utilized to assess the relationship between SMS notifications and vaccination uptake. Results. Following the second SMS intervention, average daily vaccinations increased significantly from 82 to approximately 150 per day, with a strong correlation coefficient (r = 0.86; p = 0.0612). The conversion rate was below 1 %, suggesting limited effectiveness of generic SMS messages. Increased traffic on the Lviv Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention website indicated enhanced digital engagement. Conclusions. SMS-based notifications show promise as short-term behavioral nudges to increase vaccination rates, yet personalization and targeted messaging strategies are necessary for improved effectiveness. Further research on larger scales, including cost-effectiveness, digital literacy assessment, and personalized message development, is recommended. |
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| ISSN: | 2224-0551 2307-1168 |