Text message reminders for HPV vaccination
SEARCH II: Short Message Service (SMS) Electronic Adolescent Reminders for Completion of HPV Vaccination - Uganda: Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if sending text message and phone reminders can help preteen and teenage girls in Kampala, Uganda, get their HPV vaccinations on time.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 396 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 14 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06161831 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of text message and automated phone reminders to improve the initiation and completion rates of HPV vaccinations among preteen and adolescent girls in Kampala, Uganda. Conducted in collaboration with local health centers and schools, caregivers of eligible girls will be randomized to receive reminders based on their preferences. The study aims to address the low vaccination rates in the region, particularly focusing on the completion of the vaccination series. This is the first full randomized controlled trial of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are parenting adults of adolescent girls aged 10-14 years residing in Kampala who can communicate in English or Luganda.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to a cell phone with text messaging capability or who speak a language other than English or Luganda may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase HPV vaccination rates and reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in Uganda.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in the U.S. have shown success with text message reminders for vaccinations, but this approach has not been fully tested in a preteen/adolescent population in low and middle-income countries.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be a parenting adult of an adolescent girl aged 10-14 years * Reside in Kampala and/or the surrounding districts * Speak English or Luganda * Have a cell phone with text messaging capability * Must have ability to consent Exclusion Criteria: * Parenting adult speaks other language than English or Luganda only * Parenting adult already enrolled in the study for another child * Participation in previous HPV vaccine reminder study
Where this trial is running
New York, New York and 1 other locations
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center — New York, New York, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Makerere University/Mulago Hospital — Kampala, Uganda (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Melissa S Stockwell, MD MPH — Columbia University
- Study coordinator: Melissa S Stockwell, MD MPH
- Email: mss2112@cumc.columbia.edu
- Phone: 212-342-5732
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.