Understanding and Overcoming the Racial/Ethnic Inequalities in COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance

Sponsor
University of Essex (Other)
Overall Status
Completed
CT.gov ID
NCT05238428
Collaborator
University of Southern California (Other), Department of Health and Social Care (Other), Kingston University (Other)
4,039
1
16
30
4097.9

Study Details

Study Description

Brief Summary

With the constant threat of new epidemic waves and the emergence of variants, COVID-19 resilience can only be attained when a sufficient level of immunity is achieved. Yet, in the US and the UK, COVID-19 vaccination campaigns have failed to secure consistent vaccination acceptance in racial/ethnic minority communities. Despite racial/ethnic minorities being more at risk from COVID-19, they are less vaccinated than the White majority. The investigators propose that current vaccination invitation messages are deemed less trustworthy by racial/ethnic minorities than the White majority and that this might partly explain reduced vaccination acceptance. To provide causal evidence of the role of trust and actionable insights, the investigators will experimentally assess the benefits of new invitation messages to receive the COVID-19 booster dose in large, racially/ethnically diverse samples in the US and the UK. Results will evidence how to increase message and source trustworthiness to foster trust and vaccination acceptance across racial/ethnic groups.

Condition or Disease Intervention/Treatment Phase
  • Behavioral: Trust boost
N/A

Study Design

Study Type:
Interventional
Actual Enrollment :
4039 participants
Allocation:
Randomized
Intervention Model:
Crossover Assignment
Intervention Model Description:
In a 4 x 4 experimental design, the investigators will manipulate the content of the vaccination invitation message in within-subject and the message source in between-subjects. Each participant will hence read four versions of the COVID-19 booster vaccination invitation message sent by one of the four possible sources.In a 4 x 4 experimental design, the investigators will manipulate the content of the vaccination invitation message in within-subject and the message source in between-subjects. Each participant will hence read four versions of the COVID-19 booster vaccination invitation message sent by one of the four possible sources.
Masking:
Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking Description:
Participants will read and evaluate 4 versions of the vaccination invitation. The condition will be selected randomly by the Qualtrics algorithm (with an even selection rate). The four invitations will be presented to each participant in a random order based on the Qualtrics randomisation algorithm.
Primary Purpose:
Treatment
Official Title:
Mind the Vaccination Gap: Understanding and Overcoming the Racial/Ethnic Inequalities in COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance
Actual Study Start Date :
Feb 3, 2022
Actual Primary Completion Date :
Feb 28, 2022
Actual Study Completion Date :
Mar 5, 2022

Arms and Interventions

Arm Intervention/Treatment
No Intervention: Control sender + control content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: You are invited to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5

Experimental: Control sender + Low trust boost content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: You are invited to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. The vaccine reduces your chance of becoming infected and protects you against severe forms of the illness. It also protects your loved ones by reducing the risk that you infect others. COVID can be severe, don't risk it. Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Experimental: Control sender + Medium trust boost content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: You are invited to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. The vaccine reduces your chance of becoming infected and protects you against severe forms of the illness. It also protects your loved ones by reducing the risk that you infect others. COVID can be severe, don't risk it. Vaccines may cause side effects, but the benefits outweigh the risks. The most common side effects are very mild (e.g., sore arm, fever) and severe side effects are very rare (e.g., allergic reaction). Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Experimental: Control sender+ high trust boost content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: You are invited to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. The vaccine reduces your chance of becoming infected and protects you against severe forms of the illness. It also protects your loved ones by reducing the risk that you infect others. COVID can be severe, don't risk it. This vaccination is especially important for people who are at higher risk from COVID such as older individuals or those from ethnic minorities. Vaccines may cause side effects, but the benefits outweigh the risks. The most common side effects are very mild (e.g., sore arm, a fever) and severe side effects are very rare (e.g., allergic reaction). Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Experimental: Low trust boost Sender + control content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: As your local GP, I would like to invite you to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Experimental: Low trust boost Sender + low trust boost content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: As your local GP, I would like to invite you to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. The vaccine reduces your chance of becoming infected and protects you against severe forms of the illness. It also protects your loved ones by reducing the risk that you infect others. COVID can be severe, don't risk it. Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Experimental: Low trust boost Sender + medium trust boost content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: As your local GP, I would like to invite you to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. The vaccine reduces your chance of becoming infected and protects you against severe forms of the illness. It also protects your loved ones by reducing the risk that you infect others. COVID can be severe, don't risk it. Vaccines may cause side effects, but the benefits outweigh the risks. The most common side effects are very mild (e.g., sore arm, fever) and severe side effects are very rare (e.g., allergic reaction). Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Experimental: Low trust boost sender + high trust boost content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: As your local GP, I would like to invite you to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. The vaccine reduces your chance of becoming infected and protects you against severe forms of the illness. It also protects your loved ones by reducing the risk that you infect others. COVID can be severe, don't risk it. This vaccination is especially important for people who are at higher risk from COVID such as older individuals or those from ethnic minorities. Vaccines may cause side effects, but the benefits outweigh the risks. The most common side effects are very mild (e.g., sore arm, a fever) and severe side effects are very rare (e.g., allergic reaction). Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Experimental: Medium trust boost Sender + control content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: As your local GP and a health expert who cares for the local community, I would like to invite you to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Experimental: Medium trust boost sender + low trust boost content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: As your local GP and a health expert who cares for the local community, I would like to invite you to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. The vaccine reduces your chance of becoming infected and protects you against severe forms of the illness. It also protects your loved ones by reducing the risk that you infect others. COVID can be severe, don't risk it. Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Experimental: Medium trust boost sender + Medium trust boost content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: As your local GP and a health expert who cares for the local community, I would like to invite you to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. The vaccine reduces your chance of becoming infected and protects you against severe forms of the illness. It also protects your loved ones by reducing the risk that you infect others. COVID can be severe, don't risk it. Vaccines may cause side effects, but the benefits outweigh the risks. The most common side effects are very mild (e.g., sore arm, fever) and severe side effects are very rare (e.g., allergic reaction). Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Experimental: Medium trust boost Sender+ high trust boost content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: As your local GP and a health expert who cares for the local community, I would like to invite you to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. The vaccine reduces your chance of becoming infected and protects you against severe forms of the illness. It also protects your loved ones by reducing the risk that you infect others. COVID can be severe, don't risk it. This vaccination is especially important for people who are at higher risk from COVID such as older individuals or those from ethnic minorities. Vaccines may cause side effects, but the benefits outweigh the risks. The most common side effects are very mild (e.g., sore arm, a fever) and severe side effects are very rare (e.g., allergic reaction). Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Experimental: High trust boost sender + control content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: As your local GP and a health expert who cares for the local community, I would like to invite you to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5 Dr Sanjay Kumar

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Experimental: High trust boost sender + low trust boost content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: As your local GP and a health expert who cares for the local community, I would like to invite you to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. The vaccine reduces your chance of becoming infected and protects you against severe forms of the illness. It also protects your loved ones by reducing the risk that you infect others. COVID can be severe, don't risk it. Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5 Dr Sanjay Kumar

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Experimental: High trust boost Sender + medium trust boost content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: As your local GP and a health expert who cares for the local community, I would like to invite you to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. The vaccine reduces your chance of becoming infected and protects you against severe forms of the illness. It also protects your loved ones by reducing the risk that you infect others. COVID can be severe, don't risk it. Vaccines may cause side effects, but the benefits outweigh the risks. The most common side effects are very mild (e.g., sore arm, fever) and severe side effects are very rare (e.g., allergic reaction). Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5 Dr Sanjay Kumar

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Experimental: High trust boost sender + high trust boost content

Participants will read the following text in an online survey: As your local GP and a health expert who cares for the local community, I would like to invite you to book your COVID-19 booster vaccination. The vaccine reduces your chance of becoming infected and protects you against severe forms of the illness. It also protects your loved ones by reducing the risk that you infect others. COVID can be severe, don't risk it. This vaccination is especially important for people who are at higher risk from COVID such as older individuals or those from ethnic minorities. Vaccines may cause side effects, but the benefits outweigh the risks. The most common side effects are very mild (e.g., sore arm, a fever) and severe side effects are very rare (e.g., allergic reaction). Click here to book an appointment: accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/aafwaczmd5 Dr Sanjay Kumar

Behavioral: Trust boost
The investigators adapt the wording of the vaccination invitation to foster trust and increase vaccination acceptance.

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

  1. Trust perception [immediately after intervention]

    Perceived trustworthiness of the vaccine invitation. Participants will rate how trustworthy is the invitation message on a 5 point Likert scale (1: Untrustworthy 3: Not sure, 5: Trustworthy)

  2. Vaccination appointment booking [immediately after intervention]

    Likelihood to book a vaccination appointment via the message. Participants will report if they would use the link in the message to book their vaccination appointment on a 5 point Likert scale (1: No, I would not, 3: Not sure/maybe later, 5: Yes, I would)

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study:
18 Years and Older
Sexes Eligible for Study:
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Yes
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
  • if participants complete the study in less than 5 minutes

  • if participants complete the study without paying attention (as indicated by their answers to two attention check questions)

Contacts and Locations

Locations

Site City State Country Postal Code
1 Qualtrics. The data is gathered via an online platform. London United Kingdom

Sponsors and Collaborators

  • University of Essex
  • University of Southern California
  • Department of Health and Social Care
  • Kingston University

Investigators

  • Study Chair: Marie Juanchich, PhD, University of Essex

Study Documents (Full-Text)

None provided.

More Information

Publications

None provided.
Responsible Party:
Marie Juanchich, Reader/Associate Professor in Psychology, University of Essex
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT05238428
Other Study ID Numbers:
  • ETH2122-0265
First Posted:
Feb 14, 2022
Last Update Posted:
May 24, 2022
Last Verified:
May 1, 2022
Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement:
Yes
Plan to Share IPD:
Yes
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product:
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product:
No
Keywords provided by Marie Juanchich, Reader/Associate Professor in Psychology, University of Essex
Additional relevant MeSH terms:

Study Results

No Results Posted as of May 24, 2022