Building Cognitive Resilience to Vaccine Misinformation Using AI in Europe
This study is testing a new way to help parents in Europe avoid false information about vaccines. Researchers are using an AI (Artificial Intelligence) chatbot, which is like a computer program designed to have conversations, to see if it can help parents understand facts about childhood vaccines better. The study involves 5,000 parents or carers across five European countries, including the UK. Some will use the AI chatbot, while others will see standard health information, like from UNICEF. The goal is to compare these approaches and find out if the AI chatbot is an effective tool to counter misinformation and help parents make confident, informed decisions about their children's vaccinations.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research is looking into how we can help parents and carers get accurate information about childhood vaccines and become more resistant to false or misleading claims, often called misinformation. We know that there's a lot of information out there, and it can be hard to tell what's true and what isn't, especially when it comes to health decisions for our children. This study aims to find out if an AI (Artificial Intelligence) chatbot can be a helpful tool in this effort.
The study will involve 5,000 parents or carers from five different countries in Europe, including the United Kingdom. Participants will answer questions about their views on childhood vaccines, their trust in different information sources, and if they've come across misinformation. Then, they will either interact with the special AI chatbot designed to help them understand and challenge misinformation, or they will review standard, reliable health information, such as leaflets or websites from organisations like UNICEF.
By comparing the experiences of these two groups, researchers hope to see if the AI chatbot is a good way to help parents recognise false information and feel more confident in making decisions about their children's vaccinations based on facts. The findings will help us understand what drives people's confidence in vaccines and whether new technologies like AI can play a role in making sure everyone has access to accurate health information.
Key takeaways
- This study explores using an AI chatbot to help parents understand vaccine information.
- It aims to build resilience against vaccine misinformation for parents in Europe.
- Participation involves an online survey and interacting with either an AI tool or standard health materials.
- The goal is to find effective ways to support informed decisions about childhood vaccinations.
- Your privacy and data security are protected throughout the study.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be a parent or carer of at least one child under 18 years old. You must live in one of the five countries where the study is taking place: the UK, the Netherlands, Croatia, Latvia, or Slovakia.
It's also important that you have regular access to a digital device, like a computer, tablet, or smartphone, and an internet connection. This is because the study involves interacting online.
If you don't meet these specific requirements, unfortunately, you won't be able to participate in this particular study.
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 parent or carer of a child under 18 years old?
- Do you live in the UK, Netherlands, Croatia, Latvia, or Slovakia?
- Do you have regular access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone?
- Do you have an internet connection?
What does participation involve?
If you take part in this study, you'll be asked to complete an online survey. This survey will ask questions about your child's vaccinations, your confidence in vaccines, who you trust for health information, and if you've seen any vaccine misinformation. You'll also answer some general questions about yourself.
After the survey, you'll either interact with an AI chatbot or review some standard health information materials. This part of the study is also done online. There are no in-person visits, medications to take, or follow-up appointments. The entire process, from start to finish, is expected to take a relatively short amount of time, likely completed in one sitting, as it's part of a larger online survey.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is an AI chatbot?
An AI chatbot is a computer program that's designed to have conversations with people, like a virtual assistant. In this study, it's used to share information and help you understand health topics.
Why is this study important for parents?
It's important because it aims to find new ways to help parents like you get reliable information about vaccines and protect themselves from false claims, helping you make confident choices for your children's health.
Will my answers be kept private?
Yes, all your answers and personal information will be kept strictly private and confidential. The study is designed to protect your identity.
Do I have to live in the UK to take part?
No, not necessarily. While the UK is one of the countries, the study is also open to parents in the Netherlands, Croatia, Latvia, and Slovakia.
Will I get to talk to a doctor during the study?
No, this study is entirely online and focuses on your interaction with either an AI chatbot or informational materials. You won't have direct medical consultations as part of this research.
How to find out more
Leesa Lin, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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