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.
