COVID-19 Health Messaging to Underserved Communities

NCT ID: NCT04371419

Last Updated: 2021-07-27

Study Results

Results available

Outcome measurements, participant flow, baseline characteristics, and adverse events have been published for this study.

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Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

14267 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2020-05-13

Study Completion Date

2020-05-26

Brief Summary

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Recent data have shown that covid19 is disproportionately infecting and killing African Americans and Latinx people in the United States. The aim of the study is to determine which messages are most effective at increasing knowledge and changing behaviors that can protect individuals and their communities from the virus. To accomplish this aim, we plan to recruit approximately 20,000 Hispanic and African-American individuals and randomly assign them to videos that vary either the sender or the framing of the message, while providing the relevant public health information.

Detailed Description

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The following procedures will be followed. The research subjects will participate online.

1. Doctors from MGH who express interest in participating will record messages according to our scripts (US Doctors Script African American, US Doctors Script Latinx). They will be instructed to film several different versions each.
2. We will recruit a sample of Latinx and African American study participants from across the country through Lucid, an online survey firm that has access to a large subject pool.
3. Participants will first read a consent script and give us their informed consent (US Doctors Messaging Consent)
4. Participants will then navigate through the following steps

1. Brief demographics survey questions (US Doctors Messaging Survey)
2. Videos 1 and 2: Introduction, Acknowledgement, Social Distancing (US Doctors Script African American, US Doctors Script Latinx). Individuals in the control group will not see videos.
3. Beliefs survey questions (US Doctors Messaging Survey)
4. Video 3: Masks (US Doctors Script African American, US Doctors Script Latinx). Again, individuals in the control group will not see a video here.
5. Main outcomes survey (US Doctors Messaging Survey)
6. Control group is shown a version of all 3 videos at end (US Doctors Script African American, US Doctors Script Latinx).
5. The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

1. Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
2. Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
3. Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
4. Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
5. Some individuals in a control group will only see messages after all surveying has been completed.

Conditions

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Coronavirus

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

PREVENTION

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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Control - CDC - Mask (Control) - Concordant

Control Intro, CDC Social Distancing, Mask Control version delivered by minority doctor of same background as the recipient - other definitions are similar

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Control - CDC - Mask (Control) - Discordant

Control Intro, CDC Social Distancing, Mask Control version delivered by majority doctor of different background as the recipient - other definitions are similar

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Control - MGH - Mask (Control) - Concordant

Control Intro, MGH Social Distancing, Mask Control version delivered by concordant doctor

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Control - MGH - Mask (Control) - Discordant

Control Intro, MGH Social Distancing, Mask Control version delivered by discordant doctor

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Ack. Discrimination- MGH - Mask (Control) - Concordant

Introduction Acknowledges past discrimination, MGH doctor talks about Social Distancing, Mask Control all by concordant MD

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Ack. Discrimination- MGH - Mask (Control) - Discordant

Introduction Acknowledges past discrimination, MGH doctor talks about Social Distancing, Mask Control all by discordant MD

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Ack. econ. circumstance- MGH - Mask (Control ) Concordant

Intro econ. circumstance -MGH - Mask (Control ) Concordant

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Ack. econ. circumstance - MGH - Mask (Control ) Discordant

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Control Intro - CDC - Mask (antiStigma) Concordant

Control Intro - CDC - Mask (antiStigma) Concordant messenger

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Control Intro - CDC - Mask (antiStigma) Discordant

Control Intro - CDC - Mask (antiStigma) discordant messenger

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Control - MGH - MaskS (antiStigma) Concordant messenger

Control - MGH - MaskS (antiStigma) Concordant sender

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Control- MGH-MaskS (antiStigma) Discordant messenger

Control - MGH - MaskS (antiStigma) Discordant sender

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Ack. Discrimination - MGH - MaskS (antiStigma) Concordant

Acknowledge Discrimination - MGH - MaskS (antiStigma) Concordant sender

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Ack. Discrimination - MGH - MaskS (antiStigma) Discordant

Acknowledge Discrimination - MGH - MaskS (antiStigma) Discordant sender

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Ack. Econ Hardship- MGH - Mask (antiStigma) Concordant

Acknowledge Econ Hardship- MGH - Mask (antiStigma) Concordant sender

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Ack. Econ Hardship- MGH - Mask (antiStigma) Discordant

Acknowledge Econ Hardship- MGH - Mask (antiStigma) discordant sender

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Info later - Pure Control

This group will not receive the videos but will receive information later.

Group Type PLACEBO_COMPARATOR

Messaging

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Interventions

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Messaging

o The video messages each participant in one of the treatment groups sees will be randomized on the following dimensions. The different versions are clearly demarcated in the US Doctors Scripts document.

* Racial or ethnic identity of the doctor delivering the messages: concordant vs. discordant identity to the subject.
* Whether the message includes an acknowledgment of "elephant in the room" issues for each target group: trust in the medical system or fear of deportation.
* Whether the social distancing component of the message is delivered by Dr. Birx of the CDC or recorded by the MGH physicians.
* Whether individuals are given information about how representative individuals perceive mask wearers of color. This information comes from results of our nationally representative pilot survey.
* Some individuals in a control group will see messages later.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: Hispanic and African-American adult individuals, men and women - oversample of those with less completed education Exclusion Criteria: children, those who do not identify as above
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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Massachusetts General Hospital

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Stanford University

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Yale University

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Harvard University

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Esther Duflo

Abdul Latif Jameel Professor of Poverty Alleviation and Development Economics, MIT; Co-Director, Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

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JPAL North America

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Site Status

Countries

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United States

References

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Alsan M, Stanford FC, Banerjee A, Breza E, Chandrasekhar AG, Eichmeyer S, Goldsmith-Pinkham P, Ogbu-Nwobodo L, Olken BA, Torres C, Sankar A, Vautrey PL, Duflo E. Comparison of Knowledge and Information-Seeking Behavior After General COVID-19 Public Health Messages and Messages Tailored for Black and Latinx Communities : A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2021 Apr;174(4):484-492. doi: 10.7326/M20-6141. Epub 2020 Dec 21.

Reference Type DERIVED
PMID: 33347320 (View on PubMed)

Provided Documents

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Document Type: Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan

View Document

Other Identifiers

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2003000118

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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