Social Media Strategy for COVID-19 Vaccination Equity
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to explore how online social networks can improve access to COVID-19 vaccination information for underserved communities, particularly African American and Latinx populations. Researchers will test different ways of connecting people online, such as egalitarian networks (where everyone is equally connected) and centralized networks (with a few influential hubs). Participants will join diverse or homogeneous groups to determine which setup best promotes engagement with health information. Individuals with internet access living in the U.S. may be suitable candidates for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance public health communication.
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 online social network approach is safe for promoting health information?
A previous study showed that networks where everyone has equal access to connect with others online improve access to important health information. This enhances health outcomes without any reported safety concerns. Past research provides no evidence that this method causes harm.
Research also shows that networks where a few people serve as main connectors help many access health information. Again, no negative effects have been reported from participating in these online networks.
Both types of networks aim to improve the flow of information, especially in resource-limited communities, without involving any physical procedures. As a result, there are no traditional medical risks like those in drug trials. Participants can feel confident that these online methods focus on communication and sharing information, not physical health risks.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to increase COVID-19 vaccination equity through social media strategies. Traditional methods often rely on public health campaigns and direct communication from health officials. However, this trial examines the impact of online social networks, both egalitarian and centralized, on spreading vaccine information and influencing attitudes. By using networks with diverse or homogeneous populations, the trial aims to understand how different social structures can influence vaccine uptake. This approach could uncover new, effective strategies for promoting public health through social media, potentially leading to more equitable vaccine distribution and acceptance.
What evidence suggests that this trial's interventions could be effective for improving COVID-19 vaccination equity?
Research has shown that social networks can significantly influence vaccination rates. This trial will examine various network structures to improve vaccine coverage and fairness. Participants in the "Egalitarian Networks of Diverse Populations" arm will join networks where everyone is equally connected. Studies suggest this structure can effectively spread vaccine information, particularly in communities that often miss out. In contrast, the "Centralized Networks of Diverse Populations" arm will focus on networks with a few key individuals who have many connections. These influential people can share positive vaccine messages, encouraging more vaccinations. By employing these different social network types, the trial aims to enhance vaccine acceptance and equity.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Damon Centola, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Pennsylvania
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 living in the United States with internet access. It aims to improve health equity and COVID-19 vaccination rates among at-risk populations, particularly addressing challenges faced by African American and Latinx communities.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants engage in online social network activities to assess the impact of network structure on health information engagement
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and beliefs
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Independent Control
- Online Social Network and Collective Intelligence Intervention
Trial Overview
The study tests an online social network intervention designed to reduce digital divide and increase engagement with health-promoting information. Participants will be compared to a control group without this intervention.
How Is the Trial Designed?
6
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Independent control condition does not have online networks. Participants in this condition are not put into online networks. Participants only respond to questions by themselves. All participants in this condition share similar baseline demographic characteristics, attitudes, or behavioral choices.
Independent control condition does not have online networks. Participants in this condition are not put into online networks. Participants only respond to questions by themselves. All participants in this condition have very different baseline demographic characteristics, attitudes, or behavioral choices.
Egalitarian networks are characterized by equal connectivity for all participants in an online network for information exchange. Each network is consisted of 40 individual participants. All network participants in this condition share similar baseline demographic characteristics, attitudes, or behavioral choices.
Egalitarian networks are characterized by equal connectivity for all participants in an online network for information exchange. Each network is consisted of 40 individual participants. All network participants in this condition have very different baseline demographic characteristics, attitudes, or behavioral choices.
Centralized networks have a small number of influential individuals, called "hubs," with connections to most other people. Centralized networks characterize situations in which most or all individuals are connected to, and seek advice from, a few well-connected "influencers." Each network is consisted of 40 individual participants. All network participants in this condition share similar baseline demographic characteristics, attitudes, or behavioral choices.
Centralized networks have a small number of influential individuals, called "hubs," with connections to most other people. Centralized networks characterize situations in which most or all individuals are connected to, and seek advice from, a few well-connected "influencers." Each network is consisted of 40 individual participants. All network participants in this condition have very different baseline demographic characteristics, attitudes, or behavioral choices.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor
University of California, Davis
Collaborator
University of California, San Francisco
Collaborator
University of California, Berkeley
Collaborator
Citations
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