Which vaccine messages grab attention in rural New England
Official title: ARISe at UMass Chan: Remote Eye Tracking Study of Vaccine Messaging in Rural Populations
Run by University of Massachusetts, Worcester · NCT07236034 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This online test uses short social-media vaccine messages delivered by either experts or influencers to see which ones better catch attention and influence attitudes among adults living in rural New England.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 700 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Worcester, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07236034 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 or older who live in a rural zip code in one of the New England states, can read and write English, and have access to an internet-connected computer or laptop with a webcam.
✕Probably not a fit
People under 18, those living outside the specified New England rural zip codes, non–English readers, or anyone without a compatible computer and webcam are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this project.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults in rural New England will be randomly assigned to one of 14 conditions combining two sources (expert vs influencer) with seven message themes from the 7C Vaccine Framework and will view sample social-media content. While participants view messages on a computer or laptop, remote eye-tracking software will record visual attention and participants will complete questionnaires about their attitudes and beliefs. The study combines eye-tracking metrics and self-reported perceptions to identify which message-source pairs attract attention and change responses. Findings are intended to guide more effective vaccine promotion tailored to rural communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify message and source combinations that increase attention to vaccine information and improve vaccine attitudes in rural New England, potentially boosting vaccination rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work on message framing and source credibility has sometimes improved vaccine attitudes and eye-tracking has been useful for mapping attention, but using remote eye-tracking specifically for vaccine promotion in rural populations is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18+ * Living in New England state (CT, MA, ME, NH, VT RI) in a zip code as defined by each individual state's definition of rural * Able to read and write in English * Access to an internet connected computer or laptop with a web-camera Exclusion Criteria: * N/A
Where it's running
-
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Grace W Ryan, PhD, MPH — University of Massachusetts, Worcester
- Study coordinator: Grace W Ryan, PhD, MPH
- Email: grace.ryan1@umassmed.edu
- Phone: 508-859-0179
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.