Nigerian mothers opinion of reminder/recall for immunization

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Reminder/recall interventions have been shown to improve immunization coverage. The perception
of mothers/caregivers may influence the outcome of such interventions. The attitude of Nigerian mothers to reminders/
recalls using cell phones was evaluated.

Methods: This was a crosssectional observational study carried out (August to October 2012) on mothers attending the child
welfare clinic of the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, Benin City. The instrument was an interviewer administered questionnaire which sought information on respondents’ access to phones, their ability to read, perception and preference with
regard to reminders/ recalls.

Results: All 203 mothers had access to a phone although 188 (92.6%) currently owned a phone. Majority of the mothers 163
(80.3%) could read. Of the 203 mothers 127(62.6%) agreed that mothers should be reminded about immunization appointments of their children. Of those who disagreed, most agreed that mothers who forget/did not keep appointments could be reminded. More mothers 126(70.8%) favoured reminders compared to recalls 52 (29.2%) There was no significant difference in the proportion of mothers who preferred telephone calls and those who preferred text messages. Those with post secondary
education were more likely to prefer text messages.

Conclusion: The mothers studied are favourably disposed to receipt of reminder/ recalls for their children’s immunization appointments. There is good access to telephones among the study population enough to support the use of this technology for a reminder / recall intervention but the use of text messages may be limited by literacy.

Keywords: Reminder, Recall, Nigerian, Mothers