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Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1997

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Kay Foland

Keywords

immunization of children, communication in medicine

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of a telephone autodialer and postcard parental reminder system on the incidence of immunizations in children under two years of age. The study group consisted of all consenting parents of newboms bom at a Midwestem hospital who resided within the hospital's county, during January, February, and March, 1995, and received primary care through participating physicians. The control group consisted of like number of parents of newborns born during the same time frame who chose not to receive reminders. The theoretical framework utilized is Nola Fender's Health Promotion Model. The autodialer is a computerized phone call back system. Demographic data along with the immunization schedule was entered into the computer. Postcard reminders were sent to all participating parents without telephones or whose physician indicated postcard preference. The study consisted of a retrospective chart review and telephone survey. Data analysis consisted of Chi-square, Simple correlation, and Multiple Regression Analyses. The null hypotheses for this study are: 1. The use of telephone and postcard reminders will not increase the number of children under 2 years of age who receive immunizations within the recommended schedule. 2. There is no difference in immunization compliance based on gender, maternal age, marital status, race, ability to pay, and education level.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Immunization of children
Communication in medicine

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

65

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 1997 Sandra Miller. All rights reserved

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