Improving COVID-19 testing trust in communities
Evaluating a Community-Led COVID-19 Testing Intervention to Address Mistrust
This study is all about helping low-income Black residents in Southeastern and Central Virginia feel more comfortable with public health services, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, by creating a friendly program that encourages testing and vaccination through community support and trusted peer mentors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Old Dominion University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norfolk, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11094172 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to address the mistrust that low-income Black residents in Southeastern and Central Virginia have towards public health institutions, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By developing a community-led intervention in collaboration with local partners, the project focuses on building trust through relationship-building activities and a Peer Mentor model. Participants will engage in a virtual COVID-19 testing intervention designed to encourage testing and vaccination by alleviating fears associated with positive results. The approach emphasizes the importance of community involvement and trust in promoting public health initiatives.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are low-income Black residents living in Southeastern and Central Virginia who may be hesitant to seek COVID-19 testing due to mistrust in health institutions.
Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in Southeastern and Central Virginia or those who do not identify with the target demographic may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance COVID-19 testing rates and vaccination uptake in communities that have historically faced mistrust in public health systems.
How similar studies have performed: Similar community-led interventions have shown promise in building trust and improving health outcomes in marginalized populations, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Norfolk, United States
- Old Dominion University — Norfolk, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: England, Kelli — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: England, Kelli
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.