Using MOST to Optimize an Intervention to Increase COVID-19 Testing for Frontline Essential Workers

NCT ID: NCT05139927

Last Updated: 2025-05-16

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 438 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2022-06-01
• Study Completion Date: 2024-03-01

Brief Summary

COVID-19 testing is essential to controlling the COVID-19 pandemic to break transmission chains and reduce community transmission. However, Black and Latino/Hispanic populations in lower status frontline essential occupations such as food preparation, retail, building maintenance, personal services, and in-home health care have serious barriers to COVID-19 testing and, therefore, insufficient testing rates. The proposed study will use the multiphase optimization strategy framework to address the problem of low COVID-19 testing rates for this population: We will test the effects of four distinct candidate intervention components and then create an efficient multicomponent made up of the most effective combination of the components that can be rapidly scaled up in community settings to boost COVID-19 testing rates.

Detailed Description

The proposed study responds to RFA-OD-21-008 which calls for community-engaged interventions to support COVID-19 testing in underserved and vulnerable populations. Among those at highest risk for exposure to COVID-19 is the large population of frontline essential workers (FEW) in lower status occupations (e.g., retail, in-home health care), among whom Black and Latino/Hispanic (BLH) persons are over-represented. The CDC recommends testing for all those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. For those not vaccinated, testing is recommended after exposure to individuals with a COVID-19 diagnosis, and regular COVID-19 screening testing is recommended even when asymptomatic for those with frequent close contact with others in indoor settings such as FEW. However, BLH-FEW experience serious impediments to COVID-19 testing at individual/attitudinal- (e.g., lack of knowledge of guidelines, distrust), social- (e.g., social norms), and structural-levels of influence (e.g., poor access to testing). Indeed, testing rates are lower among BLH than White populations and only 25-50% of BLH-FEW are currently vaccinated. The proposed community-engaged study is led by a collaborative team at New York University and the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC). Its main goal is to optimize a behavioral intervention to boost COVID-19 testing rates for BLH-FEW. Consistent with RFA-OD-21-008, the proposed study uses the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework to test four candidate intervention components grounded in our past research. The candidate components are informed by critical race theory and guided by the theory of triadic influence, are brief or do not require substantial staff time, and will be tested in a highly efficient factorial experimental design. They are A) motivational interview counseling, B) a text message component grounded in behavioral economics, C) peer education, and D) access to testing (via navigation to a test appointment vs. a self-test kit). All participants receive the standard of care, namely, health education on COVID-19 testing, and referrals. The specific aims of the study are to: identify which of four candidate components contribute meaningfully to improvement in the primary outcome, COVID-19 testing with medical confirmation; the most effective combination of components will comprise the "optimized" intervention (Aim 1), identify mediators (e.g., distrust, access) and moderators (e.g., sociodemographic characteristics) of the effects of each component (Aim 2), and use a mixed-methods approach to explore relationships among barriers to, facilitators of, and uptake of COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 vaccination (Aim 3). Participants will be N=448 BLH-FEW who have not been tested for COVID-19 in the past three months and have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 in the past 12 months, randomly assigned to an intervention condition, and assessed at 6- and 12-weeks post-baseline; N=50 participants will engage in qualitative in-depth interviews. We will also uncover, describe, and plan for implementation issues so the optimized intervention can be rapidly scaled up by NMIC and other community-based organizations.

Conditions

COVID-19; COVID-19 Testing

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: FACTORIAL
• Primary Study Purpose: PREVENTION
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Condition 1

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - ON Component B: Text message intervention - ON Component C: Peer education - ON Component D: Navigation

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Motivational interviewing (MI) counseling

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Those assigned to receive Component A will engage in a MI single session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. The overall goal of the session is to increase participants' motivation and readiness to test for COVID-19 in various circumstances.

Text messages (TMs) and quiz questions (QQs)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This intervention lasts 6 weeks. This component is grounded in principles of behavioral economics. Its main goal is to add interest and excitement to the goal of COVID-19 testing, serve as a reminder that COVID-19 testing is recommended in a number of scenarios, and "nudge" participants toward testing and creating a habit of serial screening and COVID-19 testing as needed. Participants first receive a brief orientation to the component (15 min.), and the participant will put the study phone number into his/her phone and a test TM and QQ will be sent. TMs and QQs are programmed into the Telerivet program and sent automatically. Twice a week participants will receive a TM with information about COVID and COVID-19 testing followed by a true/false question about that TM two days later, for which they earn 10 points for a correct answer, and 5 points for an incorrect answer. Participants earn modest prizes based on their points.

Peer education

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This component has two aspects: Participants are trained to educate their peers on core messages about the importance of COVID-19 testing that address social norms about COVID-19 testing and highlight COVID-19 testing as an altruistic act (15-20 min. training). Then, participants are given the opportunity to educate three peers who are Black and Latino/Hispanic frontline essential workers on the core messages. These peers contact the study directly and receive a brief assessment and referrals to testing, but are not enrolled in the study.

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 2

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - ON Component B: Text message intervention - ON Component C: Peer education - ON Component D: Self-test kit

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Motivational interviewing (MI) counseling

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Those assigned to receive Component A will engage in a MI single session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. The overall goal of the session is to increase participants' motivation and readiness to test for COVID-19 in various circumstances.

Text messages (TMs) and quiz questions (QQs)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This intervention lasts 6 weeks. This component is grounded in principles of behavioral economics. Its main goal is to add interest and excitement to the goal of COVID-19 testing, serve as a reminder that COVID-19 testing is recommended in a number of scenarios, and "nudge" participants toward testing and creating a habit of serial screening and COVID-19 testing as needed. Participants first receive a brief orientation to the component (15 min.), and the participant will put the study phone number into his/her phone and a test TM and QQ will be sent. TMs and QQs are programmed into the Telerivet program and sent automatically. Twice a week participants will receive a TM with information about COVID and COVID-19 testing followed by a true/false question about that TM two days later, for which they earn 10 points for a correct answer, and 5 points for an incorrect answer. Participants earn modest prizes based on their points.

Peer education

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This component has two aspects: Participants are trained to educate their peers on core messages about the importance of COVID-19 testing that address social norms about COVID-19 testing and highlight COVID-19 testing as an altruistic act (15-20 min. training). Then, participants are given the opportunity to educate three peers who are Black and Latino/Hispanic frontline essential workers on the core messages. These peers contact the study directly and receive a brief assessment and referrals to testing, but are not enrolled in the study.

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 3

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - OFF Component B: Text message intervention - ON Component C: Peer education - ON Component D: Navigation

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Text messages (TMs) and quiz questions (QQs)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This intervention lasts 6 weeks. This component is grounded in principles of behavioral economics. Its main goal is to add interest and excitement to the goal of COVID-19 testing, serve as a reminder that COVID-19 testing is recommended in a number of scenarios, and "nudge" participants toward testing and creating a habit of serial screening and COVID-19 testing as needed. Participants first receive a brief orientation to the component (15 min.), and the participant will put the study phone number into his/her phone and a test TM and QQ will be sent. TMs and QQs are programmed into the Telerivet program and sent automatically. Twice a week participants will receive a TM with information about COVID and COVID-19 testing followed by a true/false question about that TM two days later, for which they earn 10 points for a correct answer, and 5 points for an incorrect answer. Participants earn modest prizes based on their points.

Peer education

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This component has two aspects: Participants are trained to educate their peers on core messages about the importance of COVID-19 testing that address social norms about COVID-19 testing and highlight COVID-19 testing as an altruistic act (15-20 min. training). Then, participants are given the opportunity to educate three peers who are Black and Latino/Hispanic frontline essential workers on the core messages. These peers contact the study directly and receive a brief assessment and referrals to testing, but are not enrolled in the study.

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 4

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - OFF Component B: Text message intervention - ON Component C: Peer education - ON Component D: Self-test kit

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Text messages (TMs) and quiz questions (QQs)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This intervention lasts 6 weeks. This component is grounded in principles of behavioral economics. Its main goal is to add interest and excitement to the goal of COVID-19 testing, serve as a reminder that COVID-19 testing is recommended in a number of scenarios, and "nudge" participants toward testing and creating a habit of serial screening and COVID-19 testing as needed. Participants first receive a brief orientation to the component (15 min.), and the participant will put the study phone number into his/her phone and a test TM and QQ will be sent. TMs and QQs are programmed into the Telerivet program and sent automatically. Twice a week participants will receive a TM with information about COVID and COVID-19 testing followed by a true/false question about that TM two days later, for which they earn 10 points for a correct answer, and 5 points for an incorrect answer. Participants earn modest prizes based on their points.

Peer education

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This component has two aspects: Participants are trained to educate their peers on core messages about the importance of COVID-19 testing that address social norms about COVID-19 testing and highlight COVID-19 testing as an altruistic act (15-20 min. training). Then, participants are given the opportunity to educate three peers who are Black and Latino/Hispanic frontline essential workers on the core messages. These peers contact the study directly and receive a brief assessment and referrals to testing, but are not enrolled in the study.

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 5

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - ON Component B: Text message intervention - OFF Component C: Peer education - ON Component D: Navigation

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Motivational interviewing (MI) counseling

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Those assigned to receive Component A will engage in a MI single session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. The overall goal of the session is to increase participants' motivation and readiness to test for COVID-19 in various circumstances.

Peer education

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This component has two aspects: Participants are trained to educate their peers on core messages about the importance of COVID-19 testing that address social norms about COVID-19 testing and highlight COVID-19 testing as an altruistic act (15-20 min. training). Then, participants are given the opportunity to educate three peers who are Black and Latino/Hispanic frontline essential workers on the core messages. These peers contact the study directly and receive a brief assessment and referrals to testing, but are not enrolled in the study.

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 6

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - ON Component B: Text message intervention - OFF Component C: Peer education - ON Component D: Self-test kit

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Motivational interviewing (MI) counseling

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Those assigned to receive Component A will engage in a MI single session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. The overall goal of the session is to increase participants' motivation and readiness to test for COVID-19 in various circumstances.

Peer education

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This component has two aspects: Participants are trained to educate their peers on core messages about the importance of COVID-19 testing that address social norms about COVID-19 testing and highlight COVID-19 testing as an altruistic act (15-20 min. training). Then, participants are given the opportunity to educate three peers who are Black and Latino/Hispanic frontline essential workers on the core messages. These peers contact the study directly and receive a brief assessment and referrals to testing, but are not enrolled in the study.

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 7

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - OFF Component B: Text message intervention - OFF Component C: Peer education - ON Component D: Navigation

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Peer education

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This component has two aspects: Participants are trained to educate their peers on core messages about the importance of COVID-19 testing that address social norms about COVID-19 testing and highlight COVID-19 testing as an altruistic act (15-20 min. training). Then, participants are given the opportunity to educate three peers who are Black and Latino/Hispanic frontline essential workers on the core messages. These peers contact the study directly and receive a brief assessment and referrals to testing, but are not enrolled in the study.

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 8

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - OFF Component B: Text message intervention - OFF Component C: Peer education - ON Component D: Self-test kit

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Peer education

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This component has two aspects: Participants are trained to educate their peers on core messages about the importance of COVID-19 testing that address social norms about COVID-19 testing and highlight COVID-19 testing as an altruistic act (15-20 min. training). Then, participants are given the opportunity to educate three peers who are Black and Latino/Hispanic frontline essential workers on the core messages. These peers contact the study directly and receive a brief assessment and referrals to testing, but are not enrolled in the study.

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 9

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - ON Component B: Text message intervention - ON Component C: Peer education - OFF Component D: Navigation

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Motivational interviewing (MI) counseling

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Those assigned to receive Component A will engage in a MI single session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. The overall goal of the session is to increase participants' motivation and readiness to test for COVID-19 in various circumstances.

Text messages (TMs) and quiz questions (QQs)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This intervention lasts 6 weeks. This component is grounded in principles of behavioral economics. Its main goal is to add interest and excitement to the goal of COVID-19 testing, serve as a reminder that COVID-19 testing is recommended in a number of scenarios, and "nudge" participants toward testing and creating a habit of serial screening and COVID-19 testing as needed. Participants first receive a brief orientation to the component (15 min.), and the participant will put the study phone number into his/her phone and a test TM and QQ will be sent. TMs and QQs are programmed into the Telerivet program and sent automatically. Twice a week participants will receive a TM with information about COVID and COVID-19 testing followed by a true/false question about that TM two days later, for which they earn 10 points for a correct answer, and 5 points for an incorrect answer. Participants earn modest prizes based on their points.

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 10

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - ON Component B: Text message intervention - ON Component C: Peer education - OFF Component D: Self test kit

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Motivational interviewing (MI) counseling

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Those assigned to receive Component A will engage in a MI single session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. The overall goal of the session is to increase participants' motivation and readiness to test for COVID-19 in various circumstances.

Text messages (TMs) and quiz questions (QQs)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This intervention lasts 6 weeks. This component is grounded in principles of behavioral economics. Its main goal is to add interest and excitement to the goal of COVID-19 testing, serve as a reminder that COVID-19 testing is recommended in a number of scenarios, and "nudge" participants toward testing and creating a habit of serial screening and COVID-19 testing as needed. Participants first receive a brief orientation to the component (15 min.), and the participant will put the study phone number into his/her phone and a test TM and QQ will be sent. TMs and QQs are programmed into the Telerivet program and sent automatically. Twice a week participants will receive a TM with information about COVID and COVID-19 testing followed by a true/false question about that TM two days later, for which they earn 10 points for a correct answer, and 5 points for an incorrect answer. Participants earn modest prizes based on their points.

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 11

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - OFF Component B: Text message intervention - ON Component C: Peer education - OFF Component D: Navigation

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Text messages (TMs) and quiz questions (QQs)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This intervention lasts 6 weeks. This component is grounded in principles of behavioral economics. Its main goal is to add interest and excitement to the goal of COVID-19 testing, serve as a reminder that COVID-19 testing is recommended in a number of scenarios, and "nudge" participants toward testing and creating a habit of serial screening and COVID-19 testing as needed. Participants first receive a brief orientation to the component (15 min.), and the participant will put the study phone number into his/her phone and a test TM and QQ will be sent. TMs and QQs are programmed into the Telerivet program and sent automatically. Twice a week participants will receive a TM with information about COVID and COVID-19 testing followed by a true/false question about that TM two days later, for which they earn 10 points for a correct answer, and 5 points for an incorrect answer. Participants earn modest prizes based on their points.

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 12

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - OFF Component B: Text message intervention - ON Component C: Peer education - OFF Component D: Self test kit

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Text messages (TMs) and quiz questions (QQs)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This intervention lasts 6 weeks. This component is grounded in principles of behavioral economics. Its main goal is to add interest and excitement to the goal of COVID-19 testing, serve as a reminder that COVID-19 testing is recommended in a number of scenarios, and "nudge" participants toward testing and creating a habit of serial screening and COVID-19 testing as needed. Participants first receive a brief orientation to the component (15 min.), and the participant will put the study phone number into his/her phone and a test TM and QQ will be sent. TMs and QQs are programmed into the Telerivet program and sent automatically. Twice a week participants will receive a TM with information about COVID and COVID-19 testing followed by a true/false question about that TM two days later, for which they earn 10 points for a correct answer, and 5 points for an incorrect answer. Participants earn modest prizes based on their points.

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 13

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - ON Component B: Text message intervention - OFF Component C: Peer education - OFF Component D: Navigation

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Motivational interviewing (MI) counseling

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Those assigned to receive Component A will engage in a MI single session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. The overall goal of the session is to increase participants' motivation and readiness to test for COVID-19 in various circumstances.

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 14

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - ON Component B: Text message intervention - OFF Component C: Peer education - OFF Component D: Self test kit

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Motivational interviewing (MI) counseling

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Those assigned to receive Component A will engage in a MI single session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. The overall goal of the session is to increase participants' motivation and readiness to test for COVID-19 in various circumstances.

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 15

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - OFF Component B: Text message intervention - OFF Component C: Peer education - OFF Component D: Navigation

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Condition 16

Component A: motivational interviewing counseling - OFF Component B: Text message intervention - OFF Component C: Peer education - OFF Component D: Self test kit

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Access to COVID testing

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Interventions

Motivational interviewing (MI) counseling

Those assigned to receive Component A will engage in a MI single session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. The overall goal of the session is to increase participants' motivation and readiness to test for COVID-19 in various circumstances.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Text messages (TMs) and quiz questions (QQs)

This intervention lasts 6 weeks. This component is grounded in principles of behavioral economics. Its main goal is to add interest and excitement to the goal of COVID-19 testing, serve as a reminder that COVID-19 testing is recommended in a number of scenarios, and "nudge" participants toward testing and creating a habit of serial screening and COVID-19 testing as needed. Participants first receive a brief orientation to the component (15 min.), and the participant will put the study phone number into his/her phone and a test TM and QQ will be sent. TMs and QQs are programmed into the Telerivet program and sent automatically. Twice a week participants will receive a TM with information about COVID and COVID-19 testing followed by a true/false question about that TM two days later, for which they earn 10 points for a correct answer, and 5 points for an incorrect answer. Participants earn modest prizes based on their points.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Peer education

This component has two aspects: Participants are trained to educate their peers on core messages about the importance of COVID-19 testing that address social norms about COVID-19 testing and highlight COVID-19 testing as an altruistic act (15-20 min. training). Then, participants are given the opportunity to educate three peers who are Black and Latino/Hispanic frontline essential workers on the core messages. These peers contact the study directly and receive a brief assessment and referrals to testing, but are not enrolled in the study.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Access to COVID testing

Component D is an adaptive intervention component that avoids unnecessary costs; it is only provided if needed. Level 1: Over a 2-3 week period, navigation includes a brief needs assessment and guidance to assist participants in prioritizing, accessing, and completing COVID-19 testing sequences in a timely fashion and resolving barriers such as transportation or the possible need to take off work if diagnosed with COVID-19. Level 2: 1 month after enrollment, participants will be contacted by phone. If they have not been tested, we will provide them with a BinaxNOW test kit which can be picked up or mailed to them.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1) age 18-70 years; 2) can engage in study activities in English or Spanish; 3) Black or African American (including Caribbean, African, or multi-ethnic Black) and/or Latino or Hispanic race/ethnicity; 4) resides in NYC; 5) in the past month, was employed as a frontline worker in a lower status essential occupation in one or more of the domains listed above; 6) has a phone that can be used for study participation and can receive TMs; 7) has not received any doses of a COVID-19 vaccination in the past 12 months; 8) has not been tested for COVID-19 in the past three months; 9) if previously diagnosed with COVID-19, has not been symptomatic in the past two weeks or 90 days has passed since treatment with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma98; 10) has not been educated/interviewed as a peer for Component C; 11) willing to engage in a core session and be randomly assigned to receive 1-4 components.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 70 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

New York University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Marya Gwadz, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

New York University

Locations

New York University Silver School of Social Work

New York, New York, United States

Countries

United States

References

Gwadz M, Cleland CM, Lizardo M, Hawkins RL, Bangser G, Parameswaran L, Stanhope V, Robinson JA, Karim S, Hollaway T, Ramirez PG, Filippone PL, Ritchie AS, Banfield A, Silverman E. Using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework to optimize an intervention to increase COVID-19 testing for Black and Latino/Hispanic frontline essential workers: A study protocol. BMC Public Health. 2022 Jun 21;22(1):1235. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-13576-0.

Reference Type: DERIVED

PMID: 35729622 (View on PubMed)

Provided Documents

Document Type: Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan

View Document

Document Type: Informed Consent Form

View Document

Other Identifiers

IRB-FY2022-6023

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id