Table 1

Study interventions

ActivityIntervention group (IG)†Control group (CG)
Baseline survey*
Randomisation*
 Home visit 0Rapport formation; informationRapport formation; information
 Community discussion 1Project introduction; sharing district report card; skit (vaccination); toll-free number (vaccination)Project introduction; sharing district report card; skit (ORS); toll-free number (vaccination)
Home visit 1Story 1 (Key messages)

  • Timely vaccination can save children from life-threatening illnesses (polio)

  • In case of queries, one should ask a local CHW (or use the toll free number)

Activity: immunisation schedule
Home visit 2Story 2 (New messages)

  • Vaccination is free of charge and available at the local Anganwadi centre

Activity: protect immunisation card
Home visit 3Story 3 (New messages)

  • Every vaccine has a specific purpose and all doses are required

  • Challenges occur in daily life, but one should avoid missing a vaccination dose

  • Even if the child has a minor illness, she or he can be vaccinated

Activity: immunisation schedule
Community discussion 2Discussion of barriers to immunisation and local solutions; toll-free number (vaccination); activities: immunisation calendar; immunisation card; skit (vaccination)Discussion of barriers to early child nutrition and local solutions; toll-free number (vaccination); activities: skit
Home visit 4Story 4 (New messages)

  • Place the right priority on vaccination—if one's child falls ill, one will incur expense and health risk

Activity: immunisation card
Home visit 5Story 5 (New messages)

  • In case of service delivery problems, tell a responsible person (or use the toll-free number)

  • If a child's vaccine dose is missed, obtain it at the next opportunity

Activity: immunisation card
Home visit 6Story 6 (New messages)

  • Vaccination benefits everyone (herd immunity)

Activity: immunisation schedule
Community discussion 3Feedback on project components (home visits, community discussions, toll-free number); suggestions for improvementFeedback on project components (home visits, community discussions, toll-free number); suggestions for improvement
Endline survey*

  • *Identical for IG and CG.

  • †Key messages were repeated for reinforcement; only new content is described.

  • CHW, community health worker; ORS, oral rehydration salts.