Reducing Vaccine Hesitancy for COVID-19

Overseen By Sunny W Kim, Ph.D

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Arizona State University

Disqualifiers: Non-Hispanic, No consent, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to reduce vaccine hesitancy among Hispanic parents regarding COVID-19 vaccines for their children. It will compare a digital storytelling approach, where parents watch short videos created by other Hispanic parents about their vaccine experiences, to a standard information sheet from the CDC. The goal is to determine if these personalized stories help increase vaccination rates. Parents who identify as Hispanic, have at least one child under 18 who isn't fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and are willing to share their child's vaccination record via text are suitable candidates for this study. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance community health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe?

Research has shown that digital storytelling can safely reduce vaccine hesitancy among Hispanic parents. One study found this approach effective and well-received by the community. Participants watched short stories about real vaccine experiences, and no negative effects were reported. This suggests that participants find digital storytelling easy to handle. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to reduce vaccine hesitancy, a crucial barrier to public health. Unlike traditional methods that often rely on static information sheets, this trial employs digital storytelling—a dynamic approach using engaging stories featuring real experiences from Hispanic parents about COVID-19 vaccines. This method aims to resonate on a personal level, potentially making the information more relatable and impactful. By comparing this with standard information sheets, the trial hopes to find out which approach is more effective in changing attitudes and behaviors towards vaccination.

What evidence suggests that this trial's interventions could be effective in reducing vaccine hesitancy for COVID-19?

This trial will compare the effectiveness of a Digital Storytelling Intervention with an Information Control Intervention in reducing vaccine hesitancy. Studies have shown that digital storytelling can effectively reduce vaccine hesitancy. Research suggests that stories resonating with specific communities can address their concerns. For example, one study found that parents who watched digital stories about vaccines were less hesitant to vaccinate their children three months later. These stories correct false information and make facts more relatable, which is important for increasing vaccine acceptance. Overall, digital storytelling shows promise in changing attitudes toward vaccines by making the message more personal and engaging. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Alexis Koskan, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

Arizona State University

Sunny W Kim, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

Arizona State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Hispanic parents or guardians of children under 18 who haven't had their COVID-19 vaccinations up to date. Participants must self-identify as Hispanic, be willing to communicate via text, and provide a photo of their child's immunization record.

Inclusion Criteria

You identify as Hispanic.

I am a parent or legal guardian of a child under 18.

You consent to sending and receiving a text message, as well as submitting a photograph of your child's vaccination history for T3 data gathering.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete a baseline assessment using the web-based data collection platform before random assignment to control or intervention arm

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Intervention

Participants in the intervention group watch digital stories about COVID-19 vaccine experiences among Hispanic parents

4 weeks

1 visit (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in vaccine hesitancy and vaccination behaviors

2 months

1 visit (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Digital Storytelling Intervention
• Information Control Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests if digital storytelling can reduce vaccine hesitancy among Hispanic parents. It involves comparing the effects of receiving culturally-tailored stories about vaccines with just getting basic information.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Baseline and Digital Storytelling (DST) Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Once participants complete the consent, they will be asked to complete a baseline assessment using the web-based data collection platform, Research Electronic Data Capture before the random assignment to DST arm. The intervention group participants will watch the four selected digital stories about COVID-19 vaccine experiences among Hispanic parents of children. Each story was made with voice, images, and sound (3-5 minutes each). Intervention group participants will complete the Time 2 (T2) online survey immediately after the DST intervention. Two months later, the investigators will contact all participants and ask them to complete another follow-up (T3) assessment of participants' vaccine hesitancy and COVID-19 vaccination behaviors (since T1 and T2).

Group II: Baseline and Control Active Control 2 Interventions

Once participants complete the consent, they will be asked to complete a baseline assessment using the web-based data collection platform, Research Electronic Data Capture before the random assignment to control arm. Control group participants will receive a CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sheet appropriate for their child's age before completing the T2 assessment. Two months later, the investigators will contact all participants and ask them to complete another follow-up (T3) assessment of participants' vaccine hesitancy and COVID-19 vaccination behaviors (since T1 and T2).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Arizona State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

311

Recruited

109,000+

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Collaborator

Trials

2,103

Recruited

2,760,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A narrative literature review was conducted to summarize adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with COVID-19 vaccines, highlighting the growing body of knowledge on their safety and efficacy.

The review emphasizes the importance of understanding probable AEFI to enhance public awareness and confidence in COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse Events following Immunization with COVID-19 Vaccines: A Narrative Review. Bhandari, B., Rayamajhi, G., Lamichhane, P., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 153 employees, 42% participated in testing an app designed for reporting adverse events following immunization (AEFI), with 63% of users rating the experience positively, indicating good acceptance of the app-based technology.

Concerns about data protection were the main reason for declining participation, suggesting that improving data security measures could enhance the acceptability and effectiveness of app-based AEFI reporting systems.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

User preferences for a mobile application to report adverse events following vaccination. Nguyen, MTH., Ott, JJ., Caputo, M., et al.[2020]

A systematic review of seven randomized controlled trials found that digital messages from health professionals, particularly physician videos on platforms like Facebook, can significantly reduce COVID-19 infections.

The review also indicated that these digital interventions effectively promote preventive behaviors, such as vaccination and information-seeking, although many studies had concerns regarding bias.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of digital messages from health professionals on COVID-19-related outcomes: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Kuwahara, K., Sakamoto, M., Ishizuka, R., et al.[2023]

Storytelling (ST) has been identified as an effective tool for changing public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding health issues, with 7 out of 10 analyzed studies using ST for this purpose.

Despite the positive impact of ST in public health interventions, the studies reviewed showed limited follow-up and evaluation, indicating a need for more comprehensive assessments to fully understand its effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Storytelling as a Research Tool Used to Explore Insights and as an Intervention in Public Health: A Systematic Narrative Review. McCall, B., Shallcross, L., Wilson, M., et al.[2022]

Storytelling is being recognized as an effective method for collecting research data and creating interventions in nursing, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Three case studies involving American Indian teen mothers, cancer survivors, and African American women at risk for HIV/AIDS illustrate how storytelling can be utilized to gather data and inform interventions, highlighting its cultural significance in healthcare.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Storytelling: A Qualitative Tool to Promote Health Among Vulnerable Populations. Palacios, JF., Salem, B., Hodge, FS., et al.[2022]

A study involving 31 participants from the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine trial revealed that motivations for vaccination included a desire to end the pandemic, protect others, and support scientific progress, highlighting the importance of these themes in promoting vaccine uptake.

Participants expressed concerns about side effects and the rapid development of the vaccine, but they addressed these concerns by normalizing side effects and emphasizing the safety of the expedited process, suggesting that effective communication can alleviate vaccine hesitancy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The social experience of participation in a COVID-19 vaccine trial: Subjects' motivations, others' concerns, and insights for vaccine promotion. Wentzell, E., Racila, AM.[2022]

An educational intervention at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base successfully reduced COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among 500 participants, with 36% of initially hesitant individuals becoming receptive to vaccination after the seminar.

Trust in healthcare providers significantly influenced the change in vaccine intent, highlighting that building trust can be crucial in addressing vaccine hesitancy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of an Education Intervention on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in a Military Base Population. Li, PC., Theis, SR., Kelly, D., et al.[2022]

A systematic review of six studies involving over 200,000 participants found that most non-financial interventions effectively increased COVID-19 vaccination rates, although one study was a randomized controlled trial.

Despite the positive results, the evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions is still limited, highlighting the need for more rigorous research to develop clear guidelines for addressing vaccine hesitancy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Interventions for COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis. Terrell, R., Alami, A., Krewski, D.[2023]

This study is a large-scale randomized controlled trial involving 24,000 participants from the USA and China, designed to evaluate the effectiveness of three different animated video approaches in improving vaccine confidence and reducing hesitancy regarding COVID-19 vaccination.

The trial aims to assess how storytelling techniques—using humor, analogy, and emotional focus—can influence people's intent to seek vaccination, providing valuable insights for future public health communication strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Animated, video entertainment-education to improve vaccine confidence globally during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online randomized controlled experiment with 24,000 participants. Chen, S., Forster, S., Yang, J., et al.[2022]

The study is evaluating a web-based intervention aimed at reducing COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, using a validated tool (the Adult Vaccine Hesitancy Scale) to measure changes in participants' attitudes before and after the intervention.

With 486 participants currently enrolled in this pilot study, the research will analyze engagement data and learning design effectiveness to improve the intervention before broader dissemination, highlighting the importance of sound educational strategies in public health campaigns.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Web-Based Public Health Intervention for Addressing Vaccine Misinformation: Protocol for Analyzing Learner Engagement and Impacts on the Hesitancy to Vaccinate. Powell, L., Nour, R., Zidoun, Y., et al.[2022]

This scoping review aims to analyze studies that use narrative interventions to encourage vaccination, addressing the global issue of vaccine hesitancy, particularly for diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, HPV, and COVID-19.

The review will systematically search multiple databases and extract data on the effectiveness of narrative strategies in promoting vaccination, with findings intended to guide future communication strategies and research in this area.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Intervention studies to encourage vaccination using narrative: a systematic scoping review protocol. Okuhara, T., Okada, H., Goto, E., et al.[2022]

Effective communication strategies are crucial for improving participation in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, especially in the context of widespread misinformation about vaccines.

The proposed ASK (Assume, Seek, Know) approach encourages transparency about options, collaboration with stakeholders, and understanding of trial data to enhance decision-making and potentially reduce vaccine hesitancy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Health Communication and Decision Making about Vaccine Clinical Trials during a Pandemic. Langford, AT.[2022]

Digital storytelling (DST) interventions, developed with input from Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors, aim to improve cancer screening rates by creating relatable narratives that resonate with cultural values.

Storytellers felt their contributions were significant and engaging, suggesting that these personal stories could effectively motivate viewers to pursue necessary cancer screenings, although further research is needed to confirm this impact.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development of a Digital Storytelling Intervention to Increase Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Hispanic/Latino Community: a Qualitative Evaluation. Lohr, AM., Capetillo, GP., Molina, L., et al.[2023]

Traditional methods of communicating medical information, especially regarding COVID-19, are becoming less effective, highlighting the need for alternative communication methods like podcasts and social media.

Using storytelling techniques in medical communication can enhance the physician-patient relationship, leading to increased patient satisfaction and compliance with treatment, while also helping physicians better understand their patients' concerns.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Enhancing Physician's Toolkit: Integrating Storytelling in Medical Practice. Ghosh, AK., Joshi, S.[2021]

Citations

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Protocol for a community-based digital storytelling pilot ... Health communication researchers have suggested using culturally aligned storytelling to reduce vaccine hesitancy; however, few studies have ...

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Digital Storytelling to Reduce Hispanic Parents' COVID-19 ... This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a community-driven digital storytelling intervention to reduce vaccine hesitancy among Hispanic parents ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0264410X22012865

Vaccine Narratives can also correct misinformation, which may be a crucial barrier to vaccine acceptance. Interactive stories are a relatively newer ...

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Interactive Narrative–Based Digital Health Interventions for ... In this scoping review, we will summarize the use of interactive narrative–based digital health interventions for vaccine communication. To our ...

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Tough talks COVID-19 (TT-C) digital health intervention At 3 months post-randomziation, vaccine hesitancy was lower among intervention than control participants (CI:-0.34,-0.03, p = 0.02), and vaccine ...

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Using narratives to inform the development of a digital health ... The study reveals insights about how Black young adults may negotiate social situations in which they are asked or expected to communicate about the COVID-19 ...

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Digital Storytelling to Reduce Hispanic Parents' COVID-19 ... This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a community-driven digital storytelling intervention to reduce vaccine hesitancy among ...