The Impact of Theory-based Messaging on Covid-19 Vaccination Intentions

University of Glasgow

Status: Completed

Conditions: Vaccination; Covid19

Treatments: Behavioral: General messages; Behavioral: Theory-based messages

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04813770

200200052

Details and patient eligibility

About

Uptake of vaccination against COVID-19 is key to controlling the pandemic. However, a significant proportion of people report that they do not intend to have a vaccine, often because of concerns they have about its side effects or safety. It is important to identify ways to communicate information about the vaccines that facilitate informed decisions rather than promoting uptake through coercion. This study will assess whether theory-based messages can change beliefs and increase intentions to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Scotland. The messages will be based on publicly available information about the need for COVID-19 vaccination and the safety of the vaccines, and structured to address specific types of treatment beliefs. Participants will be randomised to either a group shown the messages or a control group shown general information messages about the COVID-19 virus and vaccination programme. By comparing the two groups we aim to test what impact the theory-based messages have on intentions and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccination.

Enrollment: 1,113 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the trial
• Aged 18 years or above
• Resident in Scotland

Exclusion criteria

• Received at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose

Trial design

Primary purpose: Health Services Research

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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1,113 participants in 2 patient groups

Theory-based messages

Experimental group

Description:

Theory-based health messages about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination, the necessity of COVID-19 vaccination to oneself and others, and COVID-19 vaccine regulatory approval processes. These messages are based on publicly available information and are hypothesised to increase perceived necessity and reduce concerns about vaccination, and target known barriers to vaccine uptake.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Theory-based messages

General messages

Active Comparator group

Description:

General messages about the COVID-19 virus and the vaccination programme. These messages do not target necessity and concerns, but are anticipated to promote understanding of the pandemic.

Treatment:

Behavioral: General messages