Health Communication Research Research Articles

“Let’s ride this out together”: unpacking multilingual top-down and bottom-up pandemic communication evidenced in Singapore’s coronavirus-related linguistic and semiotic landscape

Abstract Access to languages is a human right and multilingual crisis communication is vital during a pandemic. Multilingual and (super)diverse Singapore features four official languages (English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil), with English being a dominant lingua franca. Additionally, other minority/migrant languages are also spoken to varying degrees (e.g. Tagalog, Thai, Burmese, Hindi, Punjabi, and Nepali). Contributing to public health communication research, this study explores Singapore’s multilingual pandemic communication practices evidenced on its COVID-related linguistic landscape, drawing on real-world top-down and bottom-up signs (N = 128). Top-down signs in Singapore are found to mostly feature English monolingualism or the four official languages. In comparison, Singapore’s bottom-up COVID-scape manifests in more scenarios. The findings are aligned with Singapore’s linguistic policy and existing pre-COVID linguistic ecology. What is conspicuously absent is that minority/migrant languages other than the four official languages are rarely represented. Despite Singapore's relative success in the anti-Covid journey overall, this raises questions of inclusiveness and accessibility and suggests that the city state needs to get out of its linguistic “comfort zone” and use a broader range of languages in crisis communication, especially considering the possibility of disease X and other future public health contingencies. The wider significance and ramifications of the study are also explored and discussed.

Researching local public health priorities in the locked down city using online community focus groups: Reflections and recommendations

In this commentary paper we reflect on our experiences of conducting two qualitative public health projects in Leicester UK around health inequalities and marginalised groups during the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. To contextualise the commentary, we first provide information about Leicester and how and why it was disproportionately affected by the pandemic, as well as describing the origins, aims, and methodologies of the two projects. In the second half, we describe and evaluate some of the adaptations we made to our studies and conclude with suggestions for future qualitative community health research as we adapt to the post-pandemic research landscape.

Are Instagram Gym Advertisements Working Out? An Experimental Study of Model Body-Size and Slogan-Type.

Previous health communication research has demonstrated the negative psychological and health effects of depicting thin-sized models in mass media advertisements including on social media sites such as Instagram. However, gym advertisements are one common source for the presentation of lean and thin-sized models on Instagram. Therefore, the current study guided by social comparison theory and signaling theory aimed to experimentally examine the effect of thin-sized models relative to plus-sized models as well as slogan-type (health and wellness versus physique-based) on women's appearance comparison, body satisfaction, perceived gym fit, and intentions to join the gym. A sample of 217 undergraduate students who identified as women were randomly assigned to one of four Instagram gym advertisement conditions varying in model body-size and slogan-type. Appearance comparisons, perceived gym fit, and intentions to join the gym were measured post advertisement exposure and body satisfaction was measured pre-and-post advertisement exposure. As expected, exposure to Instagram gym advertisements featuring thin-sized models resulted in greater appearance comparisons and lower body satisfaction than exposure to Instagram gym advertisements featuring plus-sized models. Moreover, the combination of plus-sized models with health and wellness slogans in Instagram gym advertisements resulted in greater gym fit perceptions although there was no effect of model body-size and slogan-type on intentions to join the gym. This study supports social comparison theory, signaling theory, and practically the findings indicate that Instagram gym advertisements that depict plus-sized models (versus thin) with health-and-wellness slogans (versus physique) generate fewer body image concerns and lead to greater gym fit perceptions.

Community perspectives on COVID-19 outbreak and public health: Inuit positive protective pathways and lessons for Indigenous public health theory.

Indigenous public health theory and the voices of Canadian Indigenous communities remain under-represented in the literature despite the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, and the perspectives of Inuit are further under-represented in this literature. The goal of this paper is to explore the perspectives of Iqalungmiut (people of Iqaluit), frontline staff, and decision-makers on the management of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iqaluit in April to June 2021 and to identify lessons learned and contributions to public health policy and practice specific to Inuit populations in Canada. This study used the Piliriqatigiinniq Community Health Research Model which was developed by Nunavummiut to guide community-based health and well-being research. Interviews were conducted with 44 individuals: 22 community members and shelter users; 17 frontline workers; and 5 decision-makers representing municipal and territorial government. Participants were asked about their experiences during the outbreak, sources of information, and strengths and challenges during outbreak management. Challenges included overcrowding, physical disconnection from family members, and mental health and trauma. Community-identified strengths included strong interagency cooperation, food hamper and COVID-19 care kit deliveries, and travel restrictions. Several Inuit positive health-protective pathways were identified including Ilaginniq; Silativut; Inuuqatigiittiarniq; Piliriqatigiinniq; Ikajurniq; and Pijitsirniq. Outbreaks of infectious illness are not new to Nunavut communities and Inuit protective pathways have and continue to be critical avenues to adapt to and mitigate such challenges. This exploratory study provides clear direction for Inuit public health policy and practice in Canada, while contributing to the body of literature on Indigenous public health theory.

110 Answering the Call for Greater LGBTQ+ Research Inclusivity by Co-Developing A Workshop for Researchers

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The objectives of this workshop were to: (1) provide learners with a space to become aware of and discuss the history of the LGBTQ+ community in medical and public health research; (2) apply frameworks for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in research, inspired by lived experience and multimedia; and (3) assess LGBTQ+ research inclusivity best practices. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The CTSC provided the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland (Center) with access to academic resources via an affiliate account and insights on the clinical and translational science research process. Members of the CTSC Research Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion team met regularly with the education and programming team at the Center to review research findings for workshop segments, ideate and provide feedback on activities, and strategize to ensure a psychologically safe virtual environment for learners. Zoom registration was used for workshop registration. An evaluation survey, created by the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland (Center), was deployed by the CTSC to learners after the workshop. Respondents reported that the LGBTQ+ terminology focus was most valuable. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: To maximize investment in and scale theLGBTQ+ Inclusivity For Researchers workshop, the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland offered a shortened version to their Youth Participatory Action Research group and will continue to offer the workshop in their suite of program/educational offerings. The CTSC plans to offer opportunities to co-host the workshop at its hospital system partner institutions, with room to tailor content based on internal LGBT resources (e.g., gender care offered at the institution). We hope to see a remarkable increase in LGBTQ+ identifying researchers, LGBTQ+ participation in research studies and clinical trials, and LGBTQ+ research topics/ideas/questions in response to CTSC pilots, local, national, and global funding opportunities. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: LGBTQ+ people are less likely to have a regular health care provider—impeding screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This is reflected in health research where clinical research participation may follow a diagnosis. By providing tools for LGBTQ+ research inclusion, we will catalyze more research with LGBTQ+ people—as researchers and participants.

272 Engaging Michigan’s Rural, Upper Peninsula Community in Translational Science to Advance Community Engagement Among Nonprofits

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research (MICHR) Community Engagement (CE) Program fosters translational science and community-engaged research (CenR) through education, connecting, supporting, and funding efforts and opportunities. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, CE partnered with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to develop a 3-hour workshop that consisted of a panel discussion on best practices of community engagement and a presentation on community engaged nonprofit management. The workshop was designed from mapping 60 participants’ pre-workshop survey findings and reviewing themes from a planning meeting transcript with six community partners. Key themes that emerged included participatory budgeting, collaborative governance, communications, and community planning. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: A mix methods post-workshop evaluation feedback survey was completed. The 9-item survey assessed workshop content, satisfaction, and knowledge gained using a Likert scale as well as opened questions about key takeaway and value added. Quantitative results to be analyzed. Qualitatively, some participants described the workshop as helpful and thoughtful about how to strengthen community engagement within their organizations. Others expressed a desire for more time. Regarding impact, CE received an uptake in consultations and inquiries into statewide pilot grants. The workshop facilitated new collaborations with philanthropic and community organizations serving the Upper Peninsula. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Lessons learned highlight trust, understanding community culture, and moving slowly in a newly formed collaboration. The approach utilized in the Upper Peninsula can inform translational methods for additional partnerships underway across the state of Michigan.

258 Promoting Academics and Community Engagement (PACE): A Protocol on the ScienCE of Community Engagement in Clinical and Translational Science

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research Community Engagement (MICHR CE) has collaborated for 15+ years with underserved communities on public health issues. As Michigan’s sole CTSA institution, we aim to advance the science of community engagement in translational science statewide. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: MICHR CE PACE (Promoting Academic-Community Engagement) will advance clinical and translational science. Key steps include: 1) form a PACE Steering Committee; 2) PACE Trainings with community-academic partner Detroit Urban Research Center; 3) PACE Training Manual; 4) community Grand Rounds to bridge academic-community insights; and 5) community resources (e.g., toolkits). PACE projects will spotlight community-engaged research (CEnR) via diverse media including social media and community-level communications. The PACE ScienCE initiative will embody cultural humility by addressing power imbalances, emphasizing trust. We will utilize assessments and root cause analyses to navigate CEnR barriers. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Anticipated results from MICHR CE’s planned approach with PACE include strengthened academic-community relationships. Formation of the PACE Steering Committee and collaborations are expected to foster more structured and impactful CEnR trainings. The PACE Training Manual will become a foundational resource for CEnR best practices. Community Grand Rounds will reveal increased interdisciplinary insights and community trust. All PACE projects will utilize diverse media to enhance CEnR visibility and community-level access. Lastly, by addressing power disparities via PACE ScienCE, we foresee enhanced trust, reduced barriers, and more transparent community-academic collaborations. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This strategy, based on co-planned efforts and community consultations, aims to reshape Michigan’s CEnR landscape and offers a replicable model for other regions. The insights gained will guide community-academic collaborations promoting translational, inclusive, and efficient community engagement.

213 Accelerating Translational Science Through Dissemination Grants with Community Impact

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Promoting Academics and Community Engagement (PACE) Dissemination grants are funding opportunities via the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research Community Engagement program designed to support the science of clinical and translational research demonstrating community impact. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Two statewide funding announcements over a 3-month period were issued to over 2,000 academic and community partners. Proposals were required to meet the following criteria: 1) data collection from an academic and community partnered research project completed; 2) research findings analyzed; and 3) a community-focused dissemination plan developed. Projects were funded up to $5000. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Six PACE dissemination grants with community-focused plans were funded spanning Southeast, Western, and the Upper Peninsula regions of Michigan, as well as statewide. Examples of funded projects topics areas include the following: firearm safety; housing discrimination; opioid misuse; suicide prevention; and youth mental health. Community dissemination activities include: a) presenting at a community town hall; b) writing a pamphlet for community use; c) creating artwork installation showcase for community display; d) storytelling through community channels; and e) designing and implementing a local social media campaign. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Traditional funding mechanisms often do not provide resources to disseminate research findings with community benefit or impact back to communities. Funding dissemination awards through the PACE mechanism directly supports and accelerates translational science by sharing results directly back to the community in meaningful ways.

Protocol for a community-based digital storytelling pilot intervention to reduce Hispanic parents' vaccine hesitancy to immunize their children against COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccines, currently available to children over six months old, are a powerful method of reducing the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalizations and death. However, vaccination rates among Hispanic children remain suboptimal, primarily due to parental vaccine hesitancy. Health communication researchers have suggested using culturally aligned storytelling to reduce vaccine hesitancy; however, few studies have evaluated this approach for Hispanic parents of unvaccinated children. Working with community health workers, we will engage Hispanic parents who were previously hesitant to vaccinate their child(ren) against COVID-19 but currently support vaccination. We will ask them to share their stories of conversion in COVID-19 vaccine perspectives to help other parents overcome their mistrust of COVID-19 vaccines. We will then assess the feasibility and acceptability of a web-based pilot digital storytelling intervention based on these conversion stories vs. an information-only control among 80 parents and/or legal guardians of children who are not up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines. We will also examine pre- to post-intervention changes in vaccine perceptions, hesitancy, intentions, and uptake of children's COVID-19 vaccination at two months post-intervention. If our pilot study demonstrates feasibility and acceptability while reducing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccine uptake, we will conduct a full-scale randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of the DST intervention to reduce vaccine hesitancy.

Father’s Playbook: From Health Communication Research to Prenatal Health Intervention

ABSTRACT Research has demonstrated benefits of paternal involvement during the prenatal stage: increased prenatal visits, better adherence to postpartum best practices, and improved communication between partners. In the United States, where maternal morbidity remains higher than other advanced economies, the need for varied interventions aimed at improving the wellbeing of the entire family unit should remain a top priority. In an arena that is understandably dominated by interventions aimed at expectant mothers, scholars also advocate for including men in prenatal health care to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. In practice, however, they are often excluded. Evidence suggests paternal prenatal health interventions can result in better outcomes for the entire family, and researchers developed Father’s Playbook – a free bilingual evidence-based app for expectant fathers – in support of that goal. This article examines the creation of and lessons learned from this health communication intervention which represents a case study of implementation science in the field of health communication. This article documents how the project moved from early formative research to app development and now ongoing promotion of a state-funded health communication and public health intervention utilizing a variety of research approaches. Researchers believe this intervention can serve as a blueprint for other public health and health communication practitioners.

Contributions to Research and Practice Made by the National Cancer Institute’s Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch

ABSTRACT The Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch at the U.S. National Cancer Institute was founded in 1999 in response to increasing evidence demonstrating a link between effective health communication and improved cancer-related outcomes and in recognition of the rapid and dramatic technological changes that were transforming health communication at the turn of the 21st century. For the past 25 years, the Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch has been conducting and supporting research at the forefront of emerging cancer communication trends and technologies, making numerous contributions to health communication science, public health, and cancer control practice. In this essay, we provide a brief history of the branch and the context that led to its establishment, discuss contributions made by the branch to health communication research and practice through key projects and initiatives, and conclude by highlighting health communication and informatics research priorities that offer opportunities for significant impact going forward in light of the challenges posed by the current communication environment.

The Impact of Health Communication Research on Medical and Health Professional Education and Training

ABSTRACT In this essay, we review how health communication scholarship has been translated into various communication skills trainings (CSTs), we present four case studies of how health communication research informed the development and implementation of specific CSTs, and we reflect on how we can productively define “impact” in looking back as well as looking forward within this line of research.

Increasing Organ Donor Registrations in Motor Vehicles Offices Through Health Communication

ABSTRACT Health communication research has played a prominent role in the body of scholarship seeking to meaningfully increase the number of life-saving organs available to waitlisted patients. The current paper builds on earlier work in communication seeking to promote organ donation to individuals in community and organizational settings. The goal of this essay is to review health communication-based interventions seeking to meaningfully increase organ donation registrations in motor vehicles’ offices (DMV) transactions in the USA. For convenience, I use the acronym DMV, although it is understood different states use different titles for this office. Before describing the nature and impact of communication interventions and their impact in DMV contexts, I will provide context for the problem and briefly review the role of DMV registrations in relation to demand for organs in the United States.

Evidence-Based Health Communication in Practice: Driving Funding, Research, and Training Through the University of Texas at Austin Center for Health Communication

ABSTRACT Academic centers play a vital role in advancing knowledge, driving innovation, and fostering collaboration. The University of Texas at Austin Center for Health Communication was established in 2014 with the mission to improve public health through evidence-based communication research and practice. In this article, we reflect on the center history, explain our practice-oriented funding structure, and showcase examples of public health campaigns informed by theory and data, as well as professional-oriented educational programs. We also discuss the academic and community impact of our research, education, and practice and the benefits and challenges associated with this practice-led funding model. Although there are other approaches to operating academic centers, we hope the lessons we have learned can be of help to other centers dedicated to health communication research and practice.

Achieving Public Health Impact: Health Communication Research to Inform Tobacco Regulatory Science

ABSTRACT Health communication research applies communication science to develop generalizable knowledge capable of improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities. But to what extent does the knowledge generated by the health communication field actually achieve public health impact? To answer this question, we discuss the application of health communication science and research within a tobacco regulatory science framework. We describe three areas in which health communication research funded by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) contributed to 1) youth tobacco prevention campaigns, 2) cigarette health warnings, and 3) regulation of labeling, advertising, and marketing claims. These examples demonstrate how communication regulatory science achieves public health impact in the real world by informing national policies, regulatory actions, and public health practice.

Understanding the inclusion and participation of adults from Black African Diaspora Communities (BAFDC) in health and care research in the UK: a realist review protocol

IntroductionPeople from Black African Diaspora Communities (BAFDC) experience poorer health outcomes, have many long-term conditions and are persistently under-represented in health and care research. There is limited focus on programmes,...

Indigenous methodologies walking together in a good way: urban Indigenous collective governance in health research

Indigenous methodology is a living methodology of doing research in a good way that honours respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities in which knowledge is co-created and ownership is shared. Guided by Indigenous methodologies, the Urban Indigenous Collective Governance Circle was co-developed for urban Indigenous health research. The Collective Governance uses approaches that stay true to the connectedness of Traditional Knowledges, Indigenous protocols, and relational processes. Relationality ensures guidance from knowledge, experiences, and wisdom of community members participating in, leading, and benefitted by the research. The Governance Circle ensures that self-determination and self-governance is realized through Indigenous health research; research responsive to community-identified priorities, leadership, control, approval, and community ownership. The Collective Governance embraces ethical, respectful, and reciprocal research through a shared process to address health equity for urban Indigenous Peoples. We share insights and recommendations on how to support meaningful urban Indigenous-led community health research.

A Spotlight on Menopause in Africa

Background: Menopause is a retrospective diagnosis defined by the World Health Organization as thepermanent cessation of menstruation resulting from the loss of ovarian follicular activity. With morewomen living longer, all those above the age of 50 years will experience menopause, with a smallernumber experiencing this before 40 – 49 years without their knowledge. Menopause contributes tosignificant public health conditions, such as cardiovascular, bone, cognitive, and mental healthconditions. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) is an internationally validated tool for measuring theseverity of menopausal symptoms. The WHO notes a challenge in awareness and access tomenopause-related information and treatment for women and health care providers in most countries.Little is known about the experience of menopause in African women, and the MRS scale has limited usein the Kenyan setting, presenting gaps in research and practice.Objectives: To raise awareness of menopause and test the usability and local context of MRS in theassessment of menopausal symptoms in African women.Methods: 304 of 403 attendees on an urban community health education day voluntarily completed asurvey adapted from the MRS.Results: While 80% of women globally report hot flushes as the commonest symptom, only 41% ofwomen over 50 years if age had hot flushes. The most common symptoms were musculoskeletal painand mood swings at 74.1% and 45.8%, respectively.Conclusion: Work is needed to streamline the use and adaptability of the MRS for Swahili-speakingcountries. More community health awareness, research, and advocacy are needed to address thepublic health concerns arising from menopause in Africa.

Creation of an instrument for pediatric mental health in indigenous people: A participatory design

Indigenous communities represent a population group with multiple vulnerabilities that are exacerbated in low- and middle-income countries. The group of children and youths faces exposure to adverse living conditions that add to the complexity of the values and meanings they give to life, well-being, and health, especially mental health. In this sense, it is essential to find culturally sensitive approaches for the recognition of such meanings from mental health and its aspects of affectation. Therefore, we sought to describe a methodological process of co-construction and cultural approach with indigenous communities of an early detection instrument for mental disorders and spiritual disharmonies in childhood and youth. This study corresponded to the qualitative phase of a sequential, contextual mixed methods design, based on moments from the implementation of a Participatory Action Research methodology. It was found that collaborative processes of cultural approach in research allow for more precise knowledge of special importance for the recognition of alterations in mental health, which is also reflected in better processes of understanding needs, desires, and possibilities in mental health and that in turn allows for the development of timely actions of recognition and accompaniment. It is necessary to continue with the development processes of culturally appropriate methodologies for mental health research in indigenous communities.

CoVProt: Toward a Mass Spectrometry Data Portal for COVID-19 Proteomics Research and Development.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has wreaked havoc globally. Beyond the pandemic, the long-term effects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus in multiple organ systems are yet to be deciphered. This calls for continued systems science research. Moreover, the host response to SARS-CoV-2 varies person-to-person and gives rise to different degrees of morbidity and mortality. Mass spectrometry (MS) has been a proven asset in studies of the SARS-CoV-2 from an omics systems science lens. To strengthen the proteomics research dedicated to COVID-19, we introduce here a web-based portal, CoVProt. The portal is work in progress and aims for a comprehensive curation of MS-based proteomics data of COVID-19 clinical samples for deep proteomic investigations, data visualization, and easy data accessibility for life sciences innovations and planetary health research community. Currently, CoVProt contains information on 2725 different proteins and 37,125 different peptides from six data sets covering a total of 202 clinical samples. Moreover, all pertinent data sets extracted from the literature have been reanalyzed using a common analysis pipeline developed by combining multiple tools. Going forward, we anticipate that the CoVProt portal will also provide access to the clinical parameters of the patients. The CoVProt (v1.0) portal addresses an existing significant gap to study COVID-19 host proteomics, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first effort in this direction. We believe that CoVProt is poised to make contributions as a community resource for proteomic applications and aims to broadly support clinical studies to facilitate the discovery of COVID-19 biomarkers and therapeutics with translational potential.