Passing the message: Peer outreach about COVID-19 precautions in Zambia

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Burlando, Alfredo; Chintagunta, Pradeep; Goldberg, Jessica; Graboyes, Melissa; Hangoma, Peter; Karlan, Dean; Macis, Mario; Prina, Silvia
• 署名单位: University of Oregon; University of Chicago; University System of Maryland; University of Maryland College Park; University of Zambia; Northwestern University; Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA); Johns Hopkins University; Northeastern University
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0304-3878
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2024.103318
• 发表日期: 2024
• 关键词: covid-19; social networks; SMS; incentives; Zambia; HEALTH

摘要

During public health emergencies, spreading accurate information and increasing adherence to recommended behaviors is critical for communal welfare. However, uncertainty, mistrust, and misinformation can slow the adoption of best practices. Preexisting social networks can amplify and endorse information from authorities, and technology makes peer-to-peer messaging scalable and fast. Using text messages and small cash incentives, we test a peer-based information campaign to encourage adherence to recommended COVID-19-related health behaviors in Zambia. None of the treatments affected health behavior among primary study participants or their peers. The suggestion to pass messages to peers increases dissemination, but financial incentives do not have any additional impact.