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

Background

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Uganda, with many diagnosed at advanced stages. The best way to prevent this is through the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. While text message reminders for vaccinations have been effective in the U.S., their use hasn’t been tested in young people in Uganda or similar regions.

Objective

This study aimed to see how effective text message reminders with educational content are in improving the timing of HPV vaccinations in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

In 2022, caregivers of adolescents needing their first or second HPV vaccine were recruited from a clinic and community health centers in Kampala. A total of 154 families participated, divided into two groups: one receiving reminders and the other receiving standard care. Caregivers in the intervention group received a series of automated text messages or phone calls tailored to their preferences. The effectiveness was measured by how many adolescents received their vaccine within 24 weeks of enrollment.

Results

Of the 154 caregivers, 64.3% spoke Luganda. Among those who received reminders, 62% preferred text messages, while 38% opted for phone calls. The group that received reminders had a significantly higher vaccination rate (65.4% vs. 35.5%). The results indicate that for every 3.4 messages sent, one additional vaccination was achieved. The reminders led to faster vaccination rates.

Conclusions

This study showed that text message and phone reminders effectively encouraged timely HPV vaccinations in Uganda.

Opportunities for Clinics and Patients

Based on the trial data, clinics can set measurable goals to enhance vaccination rates by implementing similar reminder systems. Suggested outcomes include:

Increase the percentage of adolescents receiving their first and second HPV doses.
Reduce the time taken to complete the vaccination schedule.

Selecting AI Tools

Clinics should choose AI tools that align with their specific needs, such as:

Automated messaging systems for reminders.
Data analytics tools to track vaccination rates.

Implementation Strategy

Start with a pilot project using the insights gained from this study. Monitor results using AI solutions to assess their real-world impact on vaccination rates.