Information-based Interventions Research Articles

Companies inadvertently fund online misinformation despite consumer backlash

The financial motivation to earn advertising revenue has been widely conjectured to be pivotal for the production of online misinformation1–4. Research aimed at mitigating misinformation has so far focused on interventions at the user level5–8, with little emphasis on how the supply of misinformation can itself be countered. Here we show how online misinformation is largely financed by advertising, examine how financing misinformation affects the companies involved, and outline interventions for reducing the financing of misinformation. First, we find that advertising on websites that publish misinformation is pervasive for companies across several industries and is amplified by digital advertising platforms that algorithmically distribute advertising across the web. Using an information-provision experiment9, we find that companies that advertise on websites that publish misinformation can face substantial backlash from their consumers. To examine why misinformation continues to be monetized despite the potential backlash for the advertisers involved, we survey decision-makers at companies. We find that most decision-makers are unaware that their companies’ advertising appears on misinformation websites but have a strong preference to avoid doing so. Moreover, those who are unaware and uncertain about their company’s role in financing misinformation increase their demand for a platform-based solution to reduce monetizing misinformation when informed about how platforms amplify advertising placement on misinformation websites. We identify low-cost, scalable information-based interventions to reduce the financial incentive to misinform and counter the supply of misinformation online.

Nonclassical measurement error and farmers’ response to information treatment

This paper reports on a randomized experiment conducted among Malawian agricultural households to study nonclassical measurement error (NCME) in self-reported plot area, and farmers' responses to new information — the objective plot area measure — subsequently provided to them. Farmers' pre-treatment self-reported plot areas exhibit considerable NCME. Most of the measurement error follows a regression-to-mean pattern with respect to plot area, and another 18 percent arises from asymmetric rounding to half acre increments. Randomized provision of GPS-based measures of true plot area generates four important findings. First, most treated farmers’ self-reports exhibit no reduction in NCME after the provision of true plot area measures. Second, farmers update asymmetrically in response to information, with upward corrections being far more common than downward ones even though most plot sizes were initially overestimated. Third, the magnitude of updating varies by true plot area, as well as the magnitude and direction of initial NCME. Fourth, the information treatment affects self-reported information about non-land inputs such as fertilizer and labor, indicating that the effects of measurement error and updating spillover across variables. NCME clearly carries implications for survey data collection methods, econometric inference, and the design of information-based interventions. It might also reflect behavioral anomalies that may matter for farm management practices, input allocation, agricultural productivity, and the design of effective interventions.

Translation and validation of the mindful eating behaviour scale in the Arabic language

BackgroundThere has been a drastic increase in the prevalence of obesity and its related diseases in the Arabic-speaking countries during the last decades along with a lack of public awareness about this awareness about this public health problem. This calls for the development of novel prevention and intervention strategies that are based on new approaches, including mindful eating. In this context, we aimed through this study to explore the factor structure, composite reliability, measurement invariance across sex, convergent and divergent validity of an Arabic translation of the Mindful Eating Behaviour Scale (MEBS).MethodsA cross-sectional study carried out between September and November 2022, and enrolled 359 participants, all aged above 18 years old and recruited from all Lebanon governorates. The questionnaire used included socio-demographic questions, and the following scales: The Mindful Eating Behavior Scale (MEBS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Intuitive Eating Scale-2, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-8).ResultsMcDonald’s ω values ranged from .82 to .95 or the four mindful eating domains, indicating the excellent internal consistency reliability of the scale. Our study also showed that fit indices from the confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the original four-factor structure model of the MEBS. Furthermore, our analyses suggested that configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported across sex. Our results found no sex difference in all MEBS subscales scores. Finally, we found positive correlations between Focused eating, Hunger and satiety cues on one hand, and intuitive eating on the other hand. Moreover, greater Hunger and satiety cues scores were correlated with higher self-esteem and lower body mass index.ConclusionOur findings support the psychometric reliability and validity of the Arabic MEBS. We suggest, accordingly, that the scale will be of high clinical and research utility, and will help in the development of information-based interventions focused on mindful eating that are aimed to combat eating disorders and obesity in the Arab world.

Analysing interventions designed to reduce tuberculosis-related stigma: A scoping review.

Stigma is a critical barrier for TB care delivery; yet data on stigma reduction interventions is limited. This review maps the available literature on TB stigma reduction interventions, using the Health Stigma and Discrimination framework and an implementation analysis to identify research gaps and inform intervention design. Using search terms for TB and stigma, we systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers screened all abstracts, full-texts, extracted data, conducted a quality assessment, and assessed implementation. Results were categorized by socio-ecological level, then sub-categorized by the stigma driver or manifestation targeted. After screening 1865 articles, we extracted data from nine. Three studies were implemented at the individual and interpersonal level using a combination of TB clubs and interpersonal support to target internal and anticipated stigma among persons with TB. Two studies were implemented at the interpersonal level using counselling or a video based informational tool delivered to households to reduce stigma drivers and manifestations. Three studies were implemented at the organizational level, targeting drivers of stigma among healthcare workers (HW) and enacted stigma among HWs. One study was implemented at the community level using an educational campaign for community members. Stakeholder consultation emphasized the importance of policy level interventions and education on the universality of risk to destigmatize TB. Review findings suggest that internal and anticipated TB stigma may be addressed effectively with interventions targeted towards individuals using counselling or support groups. In contrast, enacted TB stigma may be better addressed with information-based interventions implemented at the organizational or community level. Policy level interventions were absent but identified as critical by stakeholders. Implementation barriers included the lack of high-quality training and integration with mental health services. Three key gaps must be addressed in future research: consistent stigma definitions, standardized stigma measurement, and measurement of implementation outcomes.

Improving COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Black Populations: A Systematic Review of Strategies.

Given the growing body of evidence on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Black populations, the aim of this systematic review was to identify the interventions and strategies used to improve COVID-19 vaccine confidence and uptake among Black populations globally. To identify relevant studies, we conducted a systematic review of the literature based on a systematic search of 10 electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Sociological s, Dissertations and Theses Global, and SocINDEX. We screened a total of 1728 records and included 14 peer-reviewed interventional studies that were conducted to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Black populations. A critical appraisal of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The intervention strategies for increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake were synthesized into three major categories: communication and information-based interventions, mandate-based interventions, and incentive-based interventions. Interventions that incorporated communication, community engagement, and culturally inclusive resources significantly improved vaccine uptake among Black populations, while incentive- and mandate-based interventions had less impact. Overall, this systematic review revealed that consideration of the sociocultural, historical, and political contexts of Black populations is important, but tailored interventions that integrate culture-affirming strategies are more likely to decrease COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and increase uptake among Black populations.

Water-Saving Tips With a Visualized Indicator Related to the Environment

Water-saving tips are information-based interventions aimed at managing water demand. Studies of the effectiveness of qualitative water-saving tips to explain why and how water should be saved have not always found significant changes in water consumption. Some studies indicate that the addition of quantitative tips and videos are effective for water conservation. This study adds to the literature by attempting to verify the effectiveness of water-saving tips that visualize the amount of water that can be saved using illustrations of bathtubs. Furthermore, as not all people are interested in water saving, we include tips with a visualized indicator related to the environment, which is of more general interest. These tips used CO2 emissions reductions to demonstrate the effect of water saving. As a result, for high-consumption households, it is more effective to present water-saving tips that present information on how their actions can limit CO2 emissions than to illustrate the reduction in water consumption directly. At the same time, for low-consumption households, none of the tips had neither water-saving nor boomerang effects (i.e., increased the consumption while planning to reduce). Households were divided into high-and low-consumption using baseline water consumption per capita for their household size. The results of this study could serve as a tool for water demand management that can be easily utilized in many parts of the world.

Information as an enabler of sustainable food choices: A behavioural approach to understanding consumer decision-making

While consumers often intend to shop more sustainably, food shopping decision-making is complex, involving a decision-making process that is shaped by factors occurring outside of the moment of purchase. Consumers are increasingly being targeted with information aiming to influence their decision-making, but the change mechanisms of such interventions are poorly understood. This study aimed to identify key factors influencing people's capability, opportunity and motivation to make more environmentally sustainable choices when food shopping, and how information can support such behaviour change. Using the COM-B model of behaviour change, we conducted a consumer survey and qualitative interviews with Swedish consumers to identify how capability, opportunity, and motivation to engage in sustainable shopping are influenced, and how consumers use information when food shopping. From our data we mapped a typical customer journey and pinpointed where information could be applied as a technique for supporting behaviour change towards more sustainable food shopping choices. The key factors motivating the choice were found to be quality, health, locally produced food, animal welfare and convenience. The main constraints to consumers' capability and opportunity to engage in sustainable food shopping were price and time. Our findings suggest that information can be a powerful behaviour change technique if tailored to customers' full shopping journey, including planning, executing, and reflecting on their food shopping. Understanding food shopping as a set of interacting behaviours playing out over time could help to design more effective information-based behaviour change interventions.

Segmenting households based on food waste behaviours and waste audit outcomes: Introducing Over Providers, Under Planners and Considerate Planners

Households are responsible for a significant amount of food waste, estimated to be around 50% of economic value in developed countries. This food waste emerges from the complex interplay of behaviours associated with the planning, shopping, storing, preparing and disposing practices of food provisioning. Three segments were identified based on analysis of behaviours measured in a national survey in Australia (n = 2803). Profiles of these segments were enriched with further insights from in-depth interviews with householders (n = 6). Rather than relying on potentially inaccurate self-reported surveys, actual food waste was measured by auditing waste bins from a selection of survey participants (n = 454). Results show that “Over Providers” (23% of households), with the highest food waste per household based primarily on the challenge of providing food for children, warrant a priority focus for interventions from policymakers and practitioners. “Under Planners” (32%), with their general disinterest in food, are unlikely to respond to information-based interventions and hence changes in behaviour will require a shift in choice architecture in food shopping environments. Whilst “Considerate Planners” (45%), tending to be older, show how experience and freedom to allocate more time to food provisioning support them in having the lowest food waste per household. Incorporating these insights in the design of food waste interventions will likely increase their effectiveness.

The effect of information on preferences for improved household water supply in Indonesia and Nepal

ABSTRACT Information-based interventions are increasingly used to influence preferences or behaviour. Although information does not directly influence behaviour, it is still commonly used because it is inexpensive and provides immediate impacts. The objective of this study is to compare the impacts of information provision on households’ stated preferences for improved water supply systems in Surabaya, Indonesia, and Kathmandu, Nepal. Surabaya and Kathmandu face different challenges in household water supply services. Stated preferences were elicited by using randomized conjoint analysis. In addition to the preference elicitation, the impacts of information on the willingness to pay were also estimated.

Correlates of the willingness to consume insects: a meta-analysis

Although insects are a sustainable meat alternative, the willingness to consume (WTC) them remains generally low. We synthesised the effects of WTC correlates reported in 37 studies and also investigated the moderating effects of certain study characteristics. Across a large number of studies, affect-based factors, such as ‘food neophobia’, ‘disgust’ and ‘the expected unpleasant taste of insects’, were consistently strongly correlated with WTC (r̄=-0.33-0.55). Information-based factors, such as ‘the perceived sustainability of insects as food’ and ‘the perceived nutritiousness of insects as food’, also impacted WTC (r̄=0.32-0.55). However, the number of contributing studies in this regard was low. Curiosity appears to be relevant to WTC because ‘food sensation and innovation seeking’ (r̄=0.29) positively impacted WTC. ‘Age, education and gender’ were relatively unrelated to WTC (r̄=-0.14-0.00) across a large number of studies. Combatting affective barriers through gradual and/or early exposure – i.e. increasing the ‘familiarity with the concept of eating insects’ (r̄=0.10) and allowing consumers’ experiences with ‘insect consumption’ (r̄=0.35) to develop over time – will help foster entomophagy acceptance in the long run. In comparison, information-based interventions may have limited effectivity, but they can be implemented in the short term. As meta-regressions have shown, future researchers must consider whether the presentation of the edible insects has moderating effects, e.g. presenting specific as compared to non-specific products (β=-0.47) or actual products (β=-0.56) and pictures of such products (β=-0.55) as compared to mere verbal descriptions. Classical psychological entomophagy factors have been explored comprehensively, and research should also adopt a more market-oriented focus.

Decision making can be improved through observational learning

Observational learning can debias judgment and decision making. One-shot observational learning-based training interventions (akin to “hot seating”) can produce reductions in cognitive biases in the laboratory (i.e., anchoring, representativeness, and social projection), and successfully teach a decision rule that increases advice taking in a weight on advice paradigm (i.e., the averaging principle). These interventions improve judgment, rule learning, and advice taking more than practice. We find observational learning-based interventions can be as effective as information-based interventions. Their effects are additive for advice taking, and for accuracy when advice is algorithmically optimized. As found in the organizational learning literature, explicit knowledge transferred through information appears to reduce the stickiness of tacit knowledge transferred through observational learning. Moreover, observational learning appears to be a unique debiasing training strategy, an addition to the four proposed by Fischhoff (1982). We also report new scales measuring individual differences in anchoring, representativeness heuristics, and social projection.

The impact of information-based interventions on conservation behavior: A meta-analysis

Interest in using information-based interventions to induce energy and water conservation has increased in recent years but have shown mixed evidence of their effectiveness. This paper seeks to answer two main questions - whether these programs are broadly effective in inducing conservation, and what are the most effective versions of these programs. Using a meta-analysis of 116 studies, we examine the effects of information-based interventions on residential customers' consumption of electricity, gas, and water. We find evidence of publication bias in this literature. After correcting for publication bias, meta-analysis results indicate that information-based interventions reduce consumption by an average of 6.24%, 95% CI [-10.72, -1.76]. In addition, we find that studies employing RCTs find smaller conservation effects, (-5.2%, 95% CI [−9.53, −0.51]). Our results show that the effectiveness of information-based interventions at the household level are significantly larger than those at the aggregate level (such as dorms and buildings). Finally, interventions with a shorter duration or with more frequent reporting show larger estimated effect sizes.

Effects of peer versus expert exercise standards on exercise cognitions and behaviour

Objective: This experiment examined whether people respond differently to information about where they stand relative to peer behaviour or to expert behavioural recommendations, and whether responses depend on the attainability of these standards.Design: University students (N = 345) were randomly assigned to receive information about their exercise levels relative to peer behaviour or expert recommendations, both varying in attainability, or to a no-feedback control.Main Outcome Measures: Exercise-related cognitions were assessed immediately after feedback and exercise intentions and behaviour were assessed one month later.Results: Among those who received expert recommendations, immediate perceived comparative risk as well as exercise intentions one month later were higher if the standard was more attainable. Those who received peer information reported more exercise minutes in the past week if the standard was less attainable.Conclusion: These outcomes provide evidence that attainability of the standard should be a consideration for norm- and information-based health behaviour interventions.

Baseline Assessment of Alcohol-Related Knowledge of and Support for Alcohol Warning Labels Among Alcohol Consumers in Northern Canada and Associations With Key Sociodemographic Characteristics

Objective:Evidence-informed alcohol warning labels (AWLs) are a promising, well-targeted strategy to increase consumer awareness of health risks. We assessed consumers’ baseline knowledge of alcohol-related cancer risk, standard drinks, and low-risk drinking guidelines as well as levels of support for AWLs. We further assessed associations with sociodemographic factors.Method:Forming part of a larger study testing new evidence-informed AWLs in a northern Canadian territory compared with a neighboring territory, baseline surveys were completed among liquor store patrons systematically selected in both sites. Chi-square and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess outcomes.Results:In total, 836 liquor store patrons (47.8% female) completed baseline surveys across both sites. Overall, there was low knowledge of alcohol-related cancer risk (24.5%), limited ability to calculate a standard drink (29.5%), and low knowledge of daily (49.5%) and weekly (48.2%) low-risk drinking guideline limits. There was moderate support for AWLs with a health warning (55.9%) and standard drink information (51.4%), and lower support for low-risk drinking guideline labels (38.7%). No sociodemographic characteristics were associated with cancer knowledge. Identifying as female and having adequate health literacy were associated with support for all three AWLs; high alcohol use was associated with not supporting standard drink (adjusted odds ratio = 0.60, 95% CI [0.40, 0.88]) and low-risk drinking guideline (adjusted odds ratio = 0.57, 95% CI [0.38, 0.87]) labels.Conclusions:Few consumers in this study had key alcohol-related health knowledge; however, there was moderate support for AWLs as a tool to raise awareness. Implementation of information-based interventions such as evidence-informed AWLs with health messages including alcohol-related cancer risk, standard drink information, and national drinking guidelines is warranted.

Information-based interventions for household water efficiency in England and Wales: evidence, barriers and learning opportunities

ABSTRACT Following the call of the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in its recent Water Efficiency and Behaviour Change Rapid Evidence Assessment 2018, this article seeks to understand the key barriers to effective information-based interventions to encourage household water efficiency in England and Wales and their implications. We review the evidence on information provision to conserve water in England and Wales. We then set out the current key barriers, highlight what might have contributed to the barriers and, based on learnings from the literature, clarify some underlying confusion and suggest ways to improve.

A Qualitative Study to Understand the Potential Efficacy of an Information-Based Sugar Reduction Intervention among Low Socioeconomic Individuals in the UK.

Sugar consumption in the UK consistently exceeds recommendations, despite the association it has with poor health outcomes. Low socioeconomic groups are most likely to over-consume sugar, which could exacerbate existing health disparities. Various interventions attempt to reduce the amount of sugar consumed, but their effectiveness is still unclear. This study qualitatively explored the sugar consumption behaviours of individuals experiencing food poverty, and examined how an information-based sugar reduction intervention might influence these behaviours. Eight clients and six volunteers from a food bank in Bristol (UK) completed semi-structured, one-to-one interviews that were thematically analysed. Food bank clients appeared to heavily consume sugar, with little understanding of the associated health effects and limited awareness of the intervention. Consumption behaviours were particularly influenced by personal and psychological factors, such as mental health; in addition to social factors, like familial behaviours and food access issues. It emerged that food bank clients’ often-challenging personal circumstances were likely to promote their sugar consumption. Making intervention materials visually appealing and easily comprehendible were found to be important for improving an intervention’s reception. Recommendations were developed to improve the efficacy of similar information-based sugar reduction interventions among socioeconomically deprived groups.

Reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings: A systematic review of quantitative evidence.

IntroductionStigma and discrimination (SAD) related to HIV compromise access and adherence to treatment and support programs among people living with HIV (PLHIV). The ambitious goal of ending the epidemic of HIV by 2030 set by the United Nations Joint Program of HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) will thus only be achieved if HIV-related stigma and discrimination are reduced. The objective of this review was to locate, appraise and describe international literature reporting on interventions that addressed HIV-related SAD in healthcare settings.MethodsThe databases searched were: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), Excerpta Medica Database from Elsevier (EMBASE), PubMed and Psychological Information (PsycINFO) database. Two individuals independently appraised the quality of the papers using appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Data were extracted from papers included in the review using the standardized data extraction tool from JBI. Quality of evidence for major outcomes was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).ResultsWe retained 14 records reporting on eight studies. Five categories of SAD reduction (information-based, skills building, structural, contact-based and biomedical interventions) were identified. Training popular opinion leaders (POLs) resulted in significantly lower mean avoidance intent scores (MD = -1.87 [95% CI -2.05 to -1.69]), mean prejudicial attitude scores (MD = -3.77 [95% CI -5.4 to -2.09]) and significantly higher scores in mean compliance to universal precaution (MD = 1.65 [95% CI 1.41 to 1.89]) when compared to usual care (moderate quality evidence). The Summary of Findings table (SOF) is shown in Table 1.ConclusionsEvidence of moderate quality indicates that training popular opinion leaders is effective in reducing avoidance intent and prejudicial attitude and improving compliance to universal precaution. Very low quality evidence indicates that professionally-assisted peer group interventions, modular interactive training, participatory self-guided assessment and intervention, contact strategy combined with information giving and empowerment are effective in reducing HIV-related stigma.Further Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are needed. Future trials need to use up-to-date and validated instruments to measure stigma and discrimination.

Effects of information-based interventions and framing interventions on attitudes to climate change and mitigation behavior

The aim of this paper is to provide the review of recently tested interventions that seek to change beliefs, attitudes and behaviors related to global climate change (GCC). The two major approaches, information-based interventions and framing interventions, are presented and discussed. Information-based interventions differ in the underlying models of attitude change, and also in the types of information they use to drive the attitude and behavior change. Interventions focusing on the communication of scientific consensus about the GCC and interventions providing information about the mechanism of GCC are capable to positively influence attitudes to GCC without having polarization effect. Framing interventions emphasize certain dimensions of an issue so that they interact with pre-existing schemata, values, and mental models, which people hold. Gain frames describing the gains that will occur from GCC mitigation are capable to increase concern about GCC as well as positive attitudes towards GCC mitigation.

Reducing Toxic Chemical Pollution in Response to Multiple Information Signals: The 33/50 Voluntary Program and Toxicity Disclosures

We study firms' responses to two US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) information-based interventions. First, the EPA disclosed toxicity information on the chemicals listed in the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). Second, it grouped 17 of the TRI chemicals in the 33/50 voluntary program and challenged firms participating in this program to aggressively reduce their aggregate emissions. Firms therefore faced “twin” signals: focus on the most toxic chemicals, and focus on 33/50 targeted chemicals.We use a novel set of instruments to estimate the causal effects of these twin signals on chemical releases of U.S. manufacturing firms during the life of the 33/50 program (1991–1995), and after the program ended (1996–2013). We examine both “raw” emissions (in pounds) and “weighted” emissions (weighted by toxicity scores) of both 33/50-targeted and non-targeted chemicals. We find that 33/50 program participants reduced weighted emissions of 33/50-targeted chemicals only, with no effects on “raw” emissions or non-targeted chemicals. We also find that these reductions persisted after the program ended in 1995. These results suggest that firms are not unconditional greenwashers or environmental stewards. Rather, firms strategically invest resources to pursue environmental stewardship while taking into account multiple signals from their key stakeholders such as the EPA.

Best–worst scaling survey of preferences regarding the adverse effects of tobacco use in China

We use best–worst scaling to assess two types of concern levels of the adverse consequences of smoking in China. While the smoking cessation policy has worked well in Taiwan, more than 1 million people in mainland China are estimated to die every year from tobacco use. This study compares the preferences of Chinese individuals in the two jurisdictions (mainland versus Taiwan) and explores the possibility of information-based interventions. The relative importance of 13 adverse effects was assessed by conducting a web-based survey on a sample of 480 Chinese participants. The 13 items consist of various adverse effects of tobacco use: from long-term health risk, such as lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases, to reduction of physical capacity and sexual dysfunction, and disturbance to non-smokers. The resulting data suggest possible strategies to curb smoking. Subgroup analysis, focusing on gender, smoking status, and nicotine dependence, was also conducted. Lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in this order, rank highest for both types of respondents. On the other hand, high expenditures (13th) and weight gain after cessation (12th) are the lowest ranked for both. Measuring individual best–worst scores reveals substantial heterogeneity among respondents and that information-based intervention can help curb smoking.