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Open Access 01-12-2022 | COVID-19 Vaccination | Study protocol

Animated, video entertainment-education to improve vaccine confidence globally during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online randomized controlled experiment with 24,000 participants

Authors: Simiao Chen, Sebastian Forster, Juntao Yang, Fengyun Yu, Lirui Jiao, Jennifer Gates, Zhuoran Wang, Haitao Liu, Qiushi Chen, Pascal Geldsetzer, Peixin Wu, Chen Wang, Shannon McMahon, Till Bärnighausen, Maya Adam

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Science-driven storytelling and entertainment-education (E-E) media demonstrate potential for promoting improved attitudes and behavioral intent towards health-related practices. Months after the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), emerging research highlights the essential role of interventions to improve public confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine. To improve vaccine confidence, we designed three short, animated videos employing three research-informed pedagogical strategies. These can be distributed globally through social media platforms, because of their wordless and culturally accessible design. However, the effectiveness of short, animated storytelling videos, deploying various pedagogic strategies, needs to be explored across different global regions.

Methods/design

The present study is a multi-site, parallel group, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the effectiveness of (i) a storytelling-instructional-humor approach, (ii) a storytelling-analogy approach, (iii) a storytelling-emotion-focused approach, and (iv) no video. For our primary outcomes, we will measure vaccine hesitancy, and for secondary outcomes, we will measure behavioral intent to seek vaccination and hope. Using online platforms, we will recruit 12,000 participants (aged 18–59 years) from the USA and China, respectively, yielding a total sample size of 24,000.

Discussion

This trial uses innovative online technology, reliable randomization algorithms, validated survey instruments, and list experiments to establish the effectiveness of three short, animated videos employing various research-informed pedagogical strategies. Results will be used to scientifically support the broader distribution of these short, animated video as well as informing the design of future videos for rapid, global public health communication.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS #00023650. Date of registration: 2021/02/09.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Animated, video entertainment-education to improve vaccine confidence globally during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online randomized controlled experiment with 24,000 participants
Authors: Simiao Chen
Sebastian Forster
Juntao Yang
Fengyun Yu
Lirui Jiao
Jennifer Gates
Zhuoran Wang
Haitao Liu
Qiushi Chen
Pascal Geldsetzer
Peixin Wu
Chen Wang
Shannon McMahon
Till Bärnighausen
Maya Adam
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06067-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Animated, video entertainment-education to improve vaccine confidence globally during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online randomized controlled experiment with 24,000 participants

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Trial registration

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