Understanding vaccine hesitancy and barriers in rural communities

Advancing Vaccine Equity: A Mixed-methods Study to Understand Vaccine Hesitancy, Structural Barriers, and Trust in Vaccine Information Among Medically Underserved Populations Living in the Rural South

East Carolina University · NCT05537714

This study looks at why people in rural Black, Hispanic, and underserved communities are hesitant to get vaccinated and what can be done to help them feel more confident about vaccines.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorEast Carolina University (other)
Locations1 site (Greenville, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05537714 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore vaccine hesitancy and structural barriers among Black, Hispanic, and medically underserved communities in the rural south through qualitative interviews and focus groups, complemented by a quantitative survey. The research will identify reasons for vaccine hesitancy, assess the impact of messaging from trusted community figures, and develop strategies to improve vaccine confidence and uptake. By employing a mixed methods approach, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing vaccination behavior in these populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are English or Spanish speaking adults aged 18 and older from Black, Hispanic, and medically underserved communities living in the rural south.

Not a fit: Patients who do not speak English or Spanish or are under 18 years of age will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved vaccine acceptance and trust among underserved populations, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in addressing vaccine hesitancy through community engagement and qualitative research, indicating that this approach is promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: All English or Spanish speaking adults 18 years or older. -

Exclusion Criteria: Anyone over 18 years of age who does not speak English or Spanish or anyone under 18 years of age.

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Where this trial is running

Greenville, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Vaccine Hesitancy, Structural Barriers, Vaccine Trust

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.