Research Center: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Location: This is a virtual study in the United States
Lead Researchers: Dr. Ashlea Braun and Dr. Thanh Bui
IRB: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Institutional Review Board

The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to diversity in public opinion and perspectives on vaccines. Little is known about how to best discuss vaccines and share information about them, and given ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, it is critical to advance our understanding of different approaches.

Researchers from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center are conducting a study about the impact of interventions designed to share information about and discuss vaccines in adults living in rural communities. It is hoped that its results may help others receive correct information and guidance on vaccines, one-on-one support in navigating information about vaccines, and most importantly, potentially prevent COVID-19 infections in the future.

• Participants may learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.
• Participants will be compensated up to a total of $90 in Amazon gift cards for completing the entire study. They may also have the option to loan a smartphone to use for the duration of the study if they do not already have one. 
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may help minimize the burden associated with vaccine-preventable illnesses.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research on COVID-19.

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

• Men and women aged 18 and above who have NOT received a dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine
• Must live in a rural/non-urban area
• Must be able to speak and understand English
• Must not have a cognitive or other disability that will prevent you from using a smartphone
• Must not be diagnosed with any medical or psychiatric condition that will prevent you from participating in this study
• Must not be currently enrolled in other COVID-19 research studies
• Must not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Must be able and willing to participate in the study virtually for approximately 5 months

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups. Which group they are placed in is determined completely at random, which means the researchers have no control over it and cannot choose the group. All groups will receive some educational materials and some counseling session(s) or messages via a cell phone app called Insight.
• Participants will be randomly assigned to either: speak to a research counselor once at the beginning of the study, speak to a research counselor four times over the course of 8 weeks (at the beginning, and weeks 2, 4, and 6), or receive interactive messages once a week via a cell phone app. All educational materials, messages, and contact with the research counselor will be focused on the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
• Participants will be asked to complete a series of surveys on the cell phone app, at the beginning (“baseline”) of the study, at 8 weeks, and at the end of the study (at 5 months).

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Every day, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center engages in the education of over four thousand students and residents, aiming to fortify the state’s healthcare workforce. It is committed to unearthing novel treatments for various diseases while offering the people of Oklahoma an unparalleled asset for adept and empathetic medical services spanning children’s, women’s, and adult specialties. The OUHSC demonstrates an unwavering dedication to enhancing the well-being of its beneficiaries, be it in the present moment or for the prosperity of generations to come.

Please note:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study will be conducted remotely which means there will be no in-person visits, allowing you to participate in the comfort of your own home.