Immunization Awareness and Alert Mobile Phone Based System for Kapsabet County Referral Hospital

Abstract

Despite increased investment on immunization awareness globally, immunization adoption rates still remain low in developing countries. However, the exponential growth, ease of access, and acceptance of mobile based ICTs has opened up possibilities of using mobile phone based Health Information Systems to enhance patients’ awareness and access to healthcare. The aim of this research study was to investigate the effectiveness of available immunization awareness systems at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital and the possibility of developing a mobile phone based immunization awareness and alert system to improve immunization adoption rates. A review of related literature showed that on one hand, there was a gap in access and communication of immunization awareness and on the other hand, there was an exponential growth, ease of access, and acceptance of mobile based ICTs. However, no studies had been conducted specifically on the use of mobile-phone immunization awareness systems thus the need for this study. A qualitative research design was used in this study, with qualitative data being collected using a structured interview schedule from 246 MCH parents, 10 MCH nurses, 3 administrators and 5 ICT personnel who were sampled using stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze data. The findings of the study indicated that; 1) Majority of the respondents had received immunization awareness through Television & Radio stations, health professionals, and printed materials, but none had received immunization awareness through Mobile phones. 2) There is a gap on the methods used to communicate and follow-up immunizations awareness information, 3) The existing system is compatible with the proposed mobile phone based immunization awareness and alert system, 4) ICT staff lacks skills and training on mobile based systems and there would be a need for capacity building if such a system was to be implemented. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends; that the government should develop policy guidelines that will ensure WHO recommendations on immunization communication that incorporates both personal and social mobilizations so as to change personal knowledge and attitudes towards immunization thereby prompting people to action have been implemented in all hospitals and health centers. Further research should be conducted towards development of a national framework for mobile phone based immunization awareness systems to provide a nationwide interoperability and benefits of reduced cost.