A Web-Based Public Health Intervention for Addressing Vaccine Misinformation: Analysis of Learner Engagement and Shift in Hesitancy to Vaccinate

Abstract

Abstract: Web-based public health interventions can be a useful tool for disseminating evidence-based information to the public. However, completion rates are traditionally low, and misinformation often travels at a faster pace than evidencebased sources. This study describes the design of a web-based public health intervention to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. A quasi-experimental approach was used in which a validated instrument, the Adult Vaccine Hesitancy Survey, was given to learners both pre and post intervention to observe any change in attitude towards vaccination. Our pilot observed a small positive shift in vaccine hesitancy and experienced higher than average completion rates. By integrating motivational learning design into public health interventions we increase the likelihood that learners finish the entire intervention, creating greater chance for positive behavior change.