BHIS researchers are co-authors on a newly published study that examines the relationship between online searches and intention to take the COVID-19 vaccine

Ashley Hughes and PhD Candidate Ayomide Owoyemi are co-authors of a newly paper published in the Journal of Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. The paper, The content of COVID-19 information searches and vaccination intent: An implication for risk communication, reports collaborations between BHIS and Ayokunle Olagoke, UIC School of Public Health Graduate now a member of faculty at University of Nebraska at Omaha; Brenniki Floyd, UIC School of Public Health; and Comfort Adebayo, Towson University.

The study showed that the individuals who searched for information on COVID-19, including policies/procedures to follow and the effects of the virus on the body had higher intentions to get the COVID-19 vaccine.  The article recommends that communication should be tailored towards information around scientific rationale for COVID-19 vaccination and there should be more clarity around policies and procedures.

Olagoke, A., Floyd, B, Adebayo, C., Owoyemi, A., & Hughes, A.M. The content of COVID-19 information searches and vaccination intent: An implication for risk communication. Journal of Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness.