title: Formative research and development of an evidence-based communication strategy: the introduction of Vi typhoid fever vaccine among school-aged children in Karachi, Pakistan.
abstract: The authors conducted formative research (a) to identify stakeholders' concerns related to typhoid fever and the need for disease information and (b) to develop a communication strategy to inform stakeholders and address their concerns and motivate for support of a school-based vaccination program in Pakistan. Data were collected during interactive and semi-structured focus group discussions and interviews, followed by a qualitative analysis and multidisciplinary consultative process to identify an effective social mobilization strategy comprised of relevant media channels and messages. The authors conducted 14 focus group discussions with the parents of school-aged children and their teachers, and 13 individual interviews with school, religious, and political leaders. Parents thought that typhoid fever was a dangerous disease, but were unsure of their children's risk. They were interested in vaccination and were comfortable with a school-based vaccination if conducted under the supervision of trained and qualified staff. Teachers and leaders needed information on typhoid fever, the vaccine, procedures, and sponsors of the vaccination program. Meetings were considered the best form of information dissemination, followed by printed materials and mass media. This study shows how qualitative research findings can be translated into an effective social mobilization and communication approach. The findings of the research indicated the importance of increasing awareness of typhoid fever and the benefits of vaccination against the disease. Identification and dissemination of relevant, community-based disease and vaccination information will increase demand and use of vaccination.
authors: International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors: Alfred
authors: A
authors: Pach
authors: Ghurnata
authors: G
authors: Tabbusam
authors: M Imran
authors: MI
authors: Khan
authors: Zamir
authors: Z
authors: Suhag
authors: Imtiaz
authors: I
authors: Hussain
authors: Ejaz
authors: E
authors: Hussain
authors: Uzma
authors: U
authors: Mumtaz
authors: Inam Ul
authors: IU
authors: Haq
authors: Rehman
authors: R
authors: Tahir
authors: Amjad
authors: A
authors: Mirani
authors: Aisha
authors: A
authors: Yousafzai
authors: Sushant
authors: S
authors: Sahastrabuddhe
authors: R Leon
authors: RL
authors: Ochiai
authors: Sajid
authors: S
authors: Soofi
authors: John D
authors: JD
authors: Clemens
authors: Michael O
authors: MO
authors: Favorov
authors: Zulfiqar A
authors: ZA
authors: Bhutta
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017144:Focus Groups; D058015:Health Communication / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010154:Pakistan; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D016730:Program Development; D036301:Qualitative Research; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014435:Typhoid Fever / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014436:Typhoid-Paratyphoid Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D014436:Typhoid-Paratyphoid Vaccines