Dime La VerDAD: Verify, Debunk, and Disseminate

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · May 13, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Dime La VerDAD trial is studying a program designed to help trusted community leaders, known as "promotores de salud," combat misinformation about vaccines, particularly for COVID-19 and influenza, through social media. This program aims to empower these leaders from Hispanic communities in Chicago by providing them with training and tools to share personal stories that can effectively counter false information about vaccines. By focusing on community relationships and using a special curriculum, the study hopes to improve how people understand and respond to vaccine information, ultimately increasing vaccination rates.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old, fluent in English or Spanish, and work in specific neighborhoods in Chicago that have been prioritized for vaccine outreach. Participants should also have a social media presence, as sharing information online is a key part of the program. Those who join can expect to receive training and support to help them confidently address vaccine misinformation in their communities. This initiative is particularly important as it addresses the challenges of vaccine hesitancy and aims to improve public health through better communication.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Inclusion criteria: 18 years or older; fluent in English or Spanish; provide services in at least one of the priority zip codes 60639, 60651, 60623, 60608, 60629, 60632 selected as priority areas in the Protect Chicago Plus program instituted in response to the COVID19 pandemic (see Johnson AK, Smith CS, Hunt B, Jacobs J, Roesch P. Chicago's Citywide COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Program: Protect Chicago Plus. Public Health Rep. 2023;138(2):218-222. doi:10.1177/00333549221143093); have a social media presence (personal or work-related)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Exclusion: Plans to stop working as a "promotor" before spring of 2027 (end of data collection planned). People can not participate if they are under the age of 18, or can not understand Spanish and English, or do not provide services in the included zip codes, or do not wish to participate in social media.