Increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake through motivational interviewing-informed tailored digital intervention: Study...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Health Disparities

Background:

• COVID-19 disproportionately impacted marginalized communities, with lower vaccination rates among African American and Hispanic populations in Michigan.
• Significant disparities exist in up-to-date vaccination status between racial/ethnic groups in Michigan as of 2024.
• The project aimed to boost vaccine uptake via a targeted behavioral intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an SMS-based health education program on increasing COVID-19 vaccine intent.
• To address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine uptake in African American and Hispanic communities.
• To assess the impact of a tailored digital intervention on vaccine perceptions and knowledge.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 1327 participants recruited in Michigan.
• Stratification into four audience segments based on vaccine readiness.
• Evaluation of pre- and post-intervention vaccine intent, barriers, attitudes, and knowledge of misinformation.

Main Results:

• The study's primary aim was to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake following the intervention.
• Analysis focused on changes in vaccine intent, perceived barriers, attitudes, and knowledge.
• Results will quantify the intervention's success in promoting vaccination.

Conclusions:

• Findings will contribute to understanding vaccine hesitancy interventions for racial and ethnic populations.
• The study informs the application of motivational interviewing-based and digital health strategies.
• Results highlight the potential of tailored digital health tools to improve public health outcomes.