Science Communication Training for Vaccine Hesitancy

Recruiting at 3 trial locations

Overseen By Yajaira Bolanos Flores, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Marina Del Rios

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Not bilingual, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

1400 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial empowers community health workers to tackle vaccine misinformation through social media. It focuses on training "promotores de salud," trusted figures in Hispanic communities, to share personal stories and create content that debunks false information about COVID and flu vaccines. The trial, called "Dime La VerDAD: Verify, Debunk, and Disseminate," will take place in several areas in Chicago and aims to assess how well these efforts can change opinions and boost vaccination rates. It suits bilingual community health workers in Chicago who are active on social media and want to positively impact vaccine information. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative community health strategies.

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 program is safe for participants?

Research has shown that the Dime La VerDAD program aims to combat vaccine misinformation on social media. This program trains "promotores de salud" (health promoters) to use personal stories to correct false vaccine information. Unlike medical treatments or drugs, this program does not have physical side effects typical of traditional clinical trials. Instead, it focuses on teaching and communication skills.

No negative effects have been reported, as the program centers on training individuals to share accurate information. The goal is to build trust and improve understanding in communities. Since this is not a medical treatment, the usual safety concerns of human trials do not apply. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the "Dime La VerDAD: Verify, Debunk, and Disseminate" approach because it aims to tackle vaccine hesitancy by leveraging trusted community figures, or "promotores de salud," in predominantly Hispanic communities. Unlike traditional public health campaigns that rely on broad messaging, this strategy uses a personalized curriculum to empower local community champions to effectively debunk misinformation using their own narratives and tailored media content. This unique approach focuses on boosting these community leaders' confidence and skills, making them more effective in spreading accurate vaccine information and countering myths directly within their communities.

What evidence suggests that the Dime La VerDAD program is effective for debunking vaccine misinformation?

Research has shown that sharing personal stories on social media can help combat false information about vaccines. In this trial, the Dime La VerDAD program trains "promotores de salud" (health promoters) to correct vaccine myths in their communities. Participants in the experimental arms will receive this tailored curriculum. Studies have found that trusted community members can effectively change opinions and increase vaccination rates. The program aims to improve the sharing of health information on social media, making it more relatable and trustworthy. By focusing on personal stories, the program seeks to positively influence how people view vaccines. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Marina DelRios, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Chicago - Section of Emergency Medicine

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for 'promotores de salud' (community health workers) from the Hispanic community in Chicago. They should be interested in using social media to debunk vaccine misinformation by sharing personal narratives. The goal is to find trusted messengers within the community who can effectively communicate about vaccines.

Inclusion Criteria

Have a social media presence (personal or work-related)

Provide services in at least one of the priority zip codes 60639, 60651, 60623, 60608, 60629, 60632 selected as priority areas in the Protect Chicago Plus program

Exclusion Criteria

I do not want to use social media.

Do not provide services in the included zip codes

Plans to stop working as a 'promotor' before spring of 2027 (end of data collection planned)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Period

Initial baseline period before rollout of the intervention at seven distinct predominantly Hispanic community areas in Chicago

1 year

Intervention

Promotores de salud receive a tailored curriculum on how to debunk misinformation and create infographics and media as well as incorporate their personal narratives into social media posts

1-3 years

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in opinions and behavior regarding vaccination after the intervention

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Dime La VerDAD: Verify, Debunk, and Disseminate

Trial Overview The Dime La VerDAD program tests a science communication curriculum designed to empower promotores de salud. It aims to enhance their ability to counteract vaccine misinformation on social media through personal stories, using a stepped wedge design study.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental: Cohort 3 participation in science communication curriculum Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Promotores de salud servicing three geographically distinct community areas out of the seven selected for participation in this study will receive a tailored curriculum on how to debunk misinformation and create infographics and media as well as incorporate their personal narratives into social media posts for their communities. The core of the implementation strategy consists of augmenting training and self-efficacy for natural community champions, "promotores de salud" from the Hispanic community as trusted messengers to debunk vaccination misinformation.

Group II: Experimental: Cohort 2 participation in science communication curriculum Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Promotores de salud servicing two geographically adjacent community areas out of the seven selected for participation in this study will receive a tailored curriculum on how to debunk misinformation and create infographics and media as well as incorporate their personal narratives into social media posts for their communities. The core of the implementation strategy consists of augmenting training and self-efficacy for natural community champions, "promotores de salud" from the Hispanic community as trusted messengers to debunk vaccination misinformation.

Group III: Experimental: Cohort 1 participation in science communication curriculum Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Promotores de salud servicing two geographically adjacent community areas out of the seven selected for participation in this study will receive a tailored curriculum on how to debunk misinformation and create infographics and media as well as incorporate their personal narratives into social media posts for their communities. The core of the implementation strategy consists of augmenting training and self-efficacy for natural community champions, "promotores de salud" from the Hispanic community as trusted messengers to debunk vaccination misinformation.

Group IV: Control: One year baseline period Active Control 1 Intervention

Initial baseline period before rollout of the intervention at seven distinct predominantly Hispanic community areas in Chicago.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Marina Del Rios

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

1,400+

University of Chicago

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,086

Recruited

844,000+

Tanoma Consulting

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

1,400+

University of Michigan

Collaborator

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

Rush University Medical Center

Collaborator

Trials

448

Recruited

247,000+

Bedford Research Corporation, Inc.

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

1,600+

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)

Collaborator

Trials

473

Recruited

1,374,000+

University of Iowa

Collaborator

Trials

486

Recruited

934,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

Effective communication of scientific information, especially regarding vaccines, is crucial due to public fear and misinformation, and scientists must actively defend their work.

Scientists have a responsibility to engage with the public, challenge misinformation, and advocate for science in all settings, no matter how small.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Communicating vaccine science to the public. Larru, B., Offit, P.[2016]

Vaccine hesitancy remains a significant issue globally, affecting 15-35% of parents even among those with well-vaccinated children, despite strong evidence supporting vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Health care provider recommendations are crucial for increasing vaccine uptake, with stronger, more assertive language (like presumptive announcements) leading to higher vaccination rates compared to softer, conversational approaches.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

How health care providers should address vaccine hesitancy in the clinical setting: Evidence for presumptive language in making a strong recommendation. Jacobson, RM., St Sauver, JL., Griffin, JM., et al.[2021]

Providing clear, everyday language explanations about mRNA vaccine safety and effectiveness significantly reduced vaccine hesitancy among unvaccinated Americans in two experiments involving a total of 5,263 participants.

The most effective approach was using refutational text that directly addressed and corrected misunderstandings about vaccine safety, indicating that clear communication can help overcome hesitancy regardless of individuals' political beliefs or prior attitudes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reducing vaccine hesitancy by explaining vaccine science. Joslyn, S., Qin, C., Han, JH., et al.[2023]

The Art of Science Communication course significantly increased scientists' likelihood of engaging with nonexpert audiences, rising from 51% to 77% after the course, indicating its effectiveness in promoting public communication of science.

Participants reported a marked increase in confidence in their science communication skills, with median confidence scores improving from 5 to 8, suggesting that such training is beneficial for scientists at all career stages.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Science Communication Training Imparts Confidence and Influences Public Engagement Activity. Swords, CM., Porter, JS., Hawkins, AJ., et al.[2023]

A survey of 101 medical science communicators revealed that 91.9% experienced abusive behavior, with 69.3% facing persistent harassment and 5.9% encountering physical violence, highlighting the risks associated with public engagement in medical science.

Many communicators reported negative mental health effects, such as depression and anxiety (62.4%), and some felt unsupported by their employers when facing vexatious complaints, indicating a need for better support systems in the field.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Establishing a taxonomy of potential hazards associated with communicating medical science in the age of disinformation. Grimes, DR., Brennan, LJ., O'Connor, R.[2021]

A survey of 295 health professions students revealed that those in medical and biomedical science programs had the highest vaccine acceptance scores, indicating strong positive attitudes towards vaccination.

The overall knowledge score about vaccines was 67.7%, with medical students scoring the highest at 79.0%, suggesting that enhancing vaccine education in health professions can help combat vaccine hesitancy among future healthcare providers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Measuring vaccine acceptance and knowledge within health professions education. Singh, H., Chase, AJ.[2022]

Effective communication strategies are essential to address vaccine hesitancy, as simply providing evidence about vaccine safety and efficacy has not significantly reduced hesitancy-related beliefs.

Five best practices for developing communication materials include: identifying the target audience and building trust, presenting balanced information on risks and benefits, addressing facts before myths, using visual aids, and testing materials before launch to enhance vaccine acceptance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Optimizing communication material to address vaccine hesitancy. Dubé, E., Gagnon, D., Vivion, M.[2020]

A two-stage online Delphi survey identified that different stakeholders prioritize various outcome domains for evaluating childhood vaccination communication, emphasizing the need for tailored outcome selection based on communication type.

For communication aimed at informing or educating, 'knowledge or understanding' was deemed most important, while 'vaccination status and behaviors' were prioritized for reminder communications, and 'community participation' for community engagement efforts.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Identification of preliminary core outcome domains for communication about childhood vaccination: An online Delphi survey. Kaufman, J., Ryan, R., Lewin, S., et al.[2022]

In two online experiments, it was found that strong negations of vaccine-adverse events (VAE) paradoxically increased perceived vaccination risk, while weak negations decreased it, highlighting the complexity of risk communication.

The effectiveness of risk negation messages depends on the credibility of the source; credible sources like government institutions can use both strong and weak negations effectively, while less credible sources, like pharmaceutical companies, should prefer moderate negations to lower perceived risk.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Debunking vaccination myths: strong risk negations can increase perceived vaccination risks. Betsch, C., Sachse, K.[2018]

Highlighting the consensus among medical scientists about childhood vaccine safety significantly reduced public concern and belief in the discredited autism-vaccine link among 206 American adults in an online survey experiment.

Emphasizing this medical consensus not only increased perceived safety and support for vaccines but also acted as a key factor in improving public attitudes towards vaccination, suggesting it could be an effective strategy for public health communication.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Highlighting consensus among medical scientists increases public support for vaccines: evidence from a randomized experiment. van der Linden, SL., Clarke, CE., Maibach, EW.[2018]

Citations

1. trialx.com trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/291047/dime-la-verdad-verify-debunk-and-disseminate/

Dime La VerDAD: Verify, Debunk, and Disseminate Dime La VerDAD is an innovative social media capacity-building program that empowers promotores de salud to debunk vaccine misinformation ...

2. app.dimensions.ai app.dimensions.ai/details/grant/grant.13553885

Dime la VerDAD (Verify, Debunk, and Disseminate) Project Summary/Abstract Social media has accelerated the spread of vaccine misinformation leading to decreased immunization rates and increased preventable ...

3. timeportal.uchicago.edu timeportal.uchicago.edu/UME/ScholarlyOpportunities/Projects/689

Dime la VerDAD (Verify, Debunk and Disseminate) Dime La VerDAD (Verify, Debunk, and Disseminate) is an innovative social media capacity-building program based on theoretical frameworks related to health ...

4. taggs.hhs.gov taggs.hhs.gov/Detail/AwardDetail?arg_AwardNum=R01MD018730&arg_ProgOfficeCode=56

Award Information | HHS TAGGS Dime la VerDAD (Verify, Debunk, and Disseminate) - Project Summary/Abstract Social media has accelerated the spread of vaccine misinformation leading to ...

5. trial.medpath.com trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/41daa3f48157cd7b/nct06417762-dime-la-verdad-verify-debunk-disseminate

Dime La VerDAD: Verify, Debunk, and Disseminate | MedPath Dime La VerDAD is an innovative social media capacity-building program that empowers promotores de salud to debunk vaccine misinformation through the use of ...

6. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/science-communication-training-for-vaccine-hesitancy-2429a

Science Communication Training for Vaccine Hesitancy Dime La VerDAD is an innovative social media capacity-building program that empowers promotores de salud to debunk vaccine misinformation through the use of ...