Using AI and social innovation to improve COVID-19 testing in African American communities

Leveraging artificial intelligence and social innovation to reduce disparities in COVID-19 testing among African Americans (Supplement)

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10991454

This study is looking at how to help African Americans get tested for COVID-19 more easily, especially when they might be feeling tired of the pandemic, by using smart technology and new ways to share information that can boost their motivation and clear up any confusion.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-10991454 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to address the barriers that African Americans face in accessing COVID-19 testing, particularly in the context of pandemic fatigue. It utilizes artificial intelligence and innovative communication strategies to enhance motivation for testing and to counter misinformation. By understanding how emotions and perceptions influence testing behaviors, the project seeks to develop effective interventions that can sustain COVID-19 mitigation efforts in underserved populations. The approach includes analyzing how different messaging can impact perceived risk and testing uptake.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals who may experience barriers to COVID-19 testing due to social or medical vulnerabilities.

Not a fit: Patients who are not part of the African American community or those who do not face barriers to COVID-19 testing may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to COVID-19 testing for African Americans, ultimately helping to control the pandemic in vulnerable communities.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that targeted communication strategies can effectively improve health behaviors in underserved populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.