Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Enhancing Health Literacy Through AI-Powered Chatbot: a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to discover if a new AI (Artificial Intelligence) chatbot can help caregivers in Japan learn more about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. HPV is a common virus that can lead to certain cancers. The study involves comparing the chatbot to a standard information leaflet. Participants will either use the chatbot or read the leaflet, then answer surveys about their understanding. The goal is to see which method is more effective in helping caregivers make informed decisions about their daughters getting the HPV vaccine. It's a way to find out if new technology can make health information easier to understand.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

The University of Hong Kong

Enrolment target

844

Start

25 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Healthy

What is this study about?

This study is investigating a new way to share health information. Researchers want to find out if an intelligent computer programme, called an AI-powered chatbot, can help parents and guardians (referred to as caregivers) in Japan better understand the HPV vaccination. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a very common virus, and the vaccine helps protect against certain types of cancer that can be caused by it.

The main aim is to see if this chatbot makes it easier for caregivers to learn about the HPV vaccine and help them make thoughtful decisions about whether their daughters, who are aged between 12 and 18, should receive it. The study will compare the chatbot to a standard information leaflet, which is currently how people often get health information. By doing this, we can see if the new technology is more effective or just as good at explaining things clearly.

Ultimately, this research could help improve how important health information is given to people, making it simpler to understand and helping families make the best choices for their health. It's a way to explore if digital tools can play a bigger role in healthcare education.

Key takeaways

Researchers are testing if an AI chatbot can help teach caregivers about the HPV vaccine.
The study compares the chatbot to a standard information leaflet.
It aims to help caregivers make informed decisions for their daughters (12-18 years old) regarding HPV vaccination.
Participants will answer surveys and interact with either the chatbot or a leaflet over two weeks.
The study takes place in Japan and focuses on female caregivers.
It's a low-risk study focused on improving health education through technology.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, we are looking for women in Japan who are caregivers for daughters between 12 and 18 years old. Importantly, these daughters should not have received any HPV vaccine yet.

You'll also need to have access to a smartphone or computer with an internet connection. This is because you'll be interacting with either the chatbot or the online leaflet through these devices. Finally, everyone who takes part must understand what the study involves and agree to participate.

We won't be able to include people who find it difficult to read the study information or give their consent online. This also applies to those who can't easily access the online materials or complete the surveys, perhaps due to not having internet access or severe memory difficulties. Also, if you've already participated in similar studies about vaccinations or ones using chatbots, you won't be eligible for this particular research.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a female caregiver living in Japan?
Do you have a daughter aged 12-18 who hasn't had the HPV vaccine yet?
Do you have a smartphone or computer with internet access?
Can you easily read information and complete surveys online?
Have you not taken part in similar studies using chatbots or about vaccines?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will first complete a survey about your current understanding of the HPV vaccine. Then, by chance, you will either be asked to read an information leaflet about HPV vaccination or interact with an AI chatbot that can answer your questions about it. You'll spend about 5-10 minutes doing this, asking at least 10 questions if using the chatbot.

Immediately after this, you'll complete another survey. For the next two weeks, you'll be asked to continue using the information you were given (either the chatbot or the leaflet). Finally, after two weeks, you will complete one last survey. Throughout the study, you'll be asked to complete surveys to check how much you've learned. The total time for your involvement will be around two weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is that you might gain a better understanding of HPV vaccination, which could help you make an informed decision for your daughter's health. This study involves low risk as it only asks you to interact with information and answer surveys, and does not involve any medical treatments or changes to your family's care. Your personal information will be kept private. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why, and it will not affect your family's medical care in any way.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is an AI-powered chatbot?

It's a computer program designed to have conversations with people, answer questions, and provide information, just like a person would, but it's driven by Artificial Intelligence.

Why is this study only for female caregivers and their daughters?

This study is specifically looking at caregivers of daughters aged 12-18 for HPV vaccination, as this is a key group for this health decision. Future studies might look at other groups.

Do I need to be an expert in technology to use the chatbot?

No, the chatbot is designed to be user-friendly. You just need basic internet and smartphone/computer skills.

Will my daughter receive an HPV vaccine during the study?

No, this study is only about understanding information and making decisions. No vaccinations will be given as part of this research, which focuses on education.

What if I change my mind after joining the study?

You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any point, for any reason, without it affecting you or your family's medical care.

How to find out more

Leesa Lin, PhD

Leesa.Lin@lshtm.ac.uk +44 (0)20 7636 8636 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.