Motivational Interviewing for COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance

(G2YMI Trial)

Overseen By Emerson Delacroix, M.A.C.P.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Unwilling to consent, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to understand and improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake among African American and Latinx communities in specific Michigan counties. It uses motivational interviewing techniques through text and web content to address vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination rates. Participants will receive either motivational messages or access to simple web content. Ideal candidates are adults who are unvaccinated, unboosted, or want to advocate for vaccination. They must be able to read English or Spanish and receive text messages. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to important research that could enhance vaccine outreach and education in their communities.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

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

What prior data suggests that this motivational interviewing approach is safe?

Research shows that motivational interviewing, particularly through text messages and online content, safely encourages COVID-19 vaccination. Studies have found that this approach fosters supportive conversations to address vaccine concerns.

Past trials have successfully used motivational interviewing to change health habits without harm. No negative effects have been reported from this method. Since it involves conversation rather than medication, it is considered very safe for participants.

Overall, motivational interviewing is easy for individuals to manage and poses minimal risk, focusing on helping them make informed vaccination choices. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores using Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques delivered through SMS/MMS and web content to improve COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Unlike traditional methods that might rely on direct healthcare provider recommendations or public information campaigns, this approach personalizes communication and engages individuals on their terms via digital media. By focusing on motivation and addressing personal hesitations about vaccination, these MI-based messages aim to increase vaccine uptake more effectively. This trial hopes to uncover how targeted motivational strategies can enhance public health efforts in boosting vaccine acceptance.

What evidence suggests that motivational interviewing could be effective for increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake?

Research has shown that motivational interviewing (MI) can make individuals more receptive to vaccination. This method involves discussing any concerns they may have. In this trial, participants in the intervention arm will receive SMS/MMS messages based on Motivational Interviewing to boost COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Studies have found that MI through text messages and online content can enhance attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines. For instance, AI-powered chatbots using motivational interviewing have shown promise in changing opinions about vaccines. Early evidence suggests this approach can lead to increased vaccination rates. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Ken Resnicow, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Erica Marsh, M.D.

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan - Michigan Medicine

Emerson Delacroix, M.A.C.P.

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 in Michigan, particularly from African American and Latinx communities, who are vaccinated and boosted but want to help others get vaccinated (Champions), or those unvaccinated/unboosted willing to participate. They must be able to use SMS/MMS and read/write in English or Spanish.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 18 and have not received all my COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters.

I am over 18, vaccinated, and boosted, and want to be a Champion.

Must be able to receive SMS/MMS/text messages

Exclusion Criteria

I am willing to complete communication training in English.

I am under 18 years old.

Unwilling to consent

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive Motivational Interviewing based SMS/MMS messages to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake and complete Baseline and Follow-up surveys

6 months

Baseline and Follow-up surveys

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in vaccine uptake intentions and self-reported vaccine uptake

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Motivational Interviewing based SMS/MMS and web content
• Motivational Interviewing of SMS and web content

Trial Overview The study tests motivational interviewing via text messages and web content designed to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake among groups facing disparities. It's based on community feedback within four Michigan counties with a history of lower vaccination rates.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Enrolled study participants receive Motivational Interviewing based SMS/MMS messages to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake, and complete Baseline and Follow-up surveys.

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Enrolled study participants receive a simple website and complete a Baseline and Follow-up survey, after which they will receive the interventional Motivational Interviewing based SMS/MMS messages to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Collaborator

Trials

2,896

Recruited

8,053,000+

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)

Collaborator

Trials

473

Recruited

1,374,000+

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-covid-19-11-2021-6486f

Motivational Interviewing for COVID-19 Vaccination ... This treatment is unique because it uses motivational interviewing techniques delivered through SMS/MMS and web content to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12334111/

Effects of a Theory- and Evidence-Based, Motivational ... Artificial intelligence (AI)–driven chatbots and motivational interviewing (MI) techniques show high promise in improving vaccine attitudes and ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12070004/

Mobile Health–Based Motivational Interviewing to Promote ... This study aims to develop and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of our mHealth-based MI intervention to diminish SARS-CoV-2 ...

4. clinicaltrial.be clinicaltrial.be/en/details/37603?active_not_recruiting=1&completed=0&enrolling_by_invitation=1&only_active=0&only_eligible=0&only_recruiting=0&per_page=20

Getting to Yes, Michigan! (G2YMI) Enrolled study participants receive Motivational Interviewing based SMS/MMS messages to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake, and complete Baseline ...

5. consensus.app consensus.app/search/impact-of-motivational-interviewing-on-covid-19-va/0PWRXDosTZyaizqMyJbwrw/

Impact of motivational interviewing on COVID-19 vaccine ... Motivational interviewing (MI) is a communication technique designed to address ambivalence and encourage behavior change.

6. researchprotocols.org researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e64010/tweetations

Mobile Health–Based Motivational Interviewing to Promote ... Mobile Health–Based Motivational Interviewing to Promote SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Rural Adults: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled ...