Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( 🔒 ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Need Help

Mitigating the Spread of Misinformation and Disinformation about COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment Initiatives among Hispanics

Award Number: U01FD007886
ORGANIZATION: FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
OPDIV: FDA
AWARD CLASS: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/10/2023
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/27/2025

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Mitigating the Spread of Misinformation and Disinformation about COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment Initiatives among Hispanics - Considerable evidence exists on the role misinformation and disinformation has played on COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and refusal at the general population level. There is less research on how misinformation and disinformation on social media affects COVID-19 perceptions by different ethnic groups, particularly Hispanics. This group has been the most affected by COVID-19 in the US, and includes a community where health disparities and inequitable gaps in social determinants of health prevail. Since Hispanics rely more on social media to obtain information on COVID-19 than any other ethnic group, it is imperative to expand research on mitigating the effect of misinformation and disinformation through these communication channels.The general objective of this proposal is to expand on earlier studies completed by the PI and co-investigators on appropriate, culturally sensitive, strategies to disseminate accurate information on COVID-19 prevention and treatments. We will pursue the overall objective through these specific aims: (1) develop a social network analysis model to estimate degree of COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation consumed by the Hispanic community; (2) conduct focus group sessions with representative Hispanic community members; and (3) complete an economic impact analysis of proposed informational strategies for Hispanics. The study will take place in El Paso, Texas, and introduces several key innovations. First, development of a social network model to evaluate social media data in both English and Spanish, and considering social media platforms in the US and Mexico. We believe that Mexican social media traffic influences Hispanic populations in the US. Second, development of a longitudinal misinformation/disinformation index, which will allow estimating degrees of misinformation and disinformation impact over time and between ethnic groups. Third, implement a combination of focus groups across different Hispanic demographic groups which will: a) complement findings from the social network analysis model; b) obtain in-depth data on relevant social media channels; c) estimate changes on risk perception of COVID-19 emergencies; d) define risk attitudes post-vaccine; e) provide a scale on the degree of COVID-19 infection and prevention literacy; and f) forecast potential health attitude and behavior changes. Specific interest will be on including sessions targeting Hispanic women, elderly, and persons with chronic diseases, disabilities, and substance use disorders. Lastly, an economic impact analysis will provide program evaluation estimates based on potential intervention healthcare cost savings, and quality of life changes. This proposal provides innovative quantitative approaches to measure the effect of COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation among Hispanics, and to help define appropriate, culturally sensitive, strategies to eliminate health disparities in this community. Our research team includes bilingual and bi-cultural specialists with profound knowledge of the Hispanic population in El Paso, and other similar communities in the country. This expertise will allow us to propose research models transferable to different regions and groups in the US, and other countries.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = -$41,526 )
2026	2023	TEXAS WOMANS UNIVERSITY	304 ADMINISTRATION DRIVE	DENTON	TX	76204	DENTON	USA	Food and Drug Administration Research	000	1	12/30/2025	NEW	-$41,526
														Subtotal = -$41,526

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2025	2023	TEXAS WOMANS UNIVERSITY	304 ADMINISTRATION DRIVE	DENTON	TX	76204	DENTON	USA	Food and Drug Administration Research	000	1	3/28/2025	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2024	2023	TEXAS WOMANS UNIVERSITY	304 ADMINISTRATION DRIVE	DENTON	TX	76204	DENTON	USA	Food and Drug Administration Research	000	1	2/21/2024	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $500,000 )
2023	2023	TEXAS WOMANS UNIVERSITY	304 ADMINISTRATION DRIVE	DENTON	TX	76204	DENTON	USA	Food and Drug Administration Research	001	1	6/29/2023	NEW	$0
2023	2023	TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY	304 ADMINISTRATION DR	DENTON	TX	76204	DENTON	USA	Food and Drug Administration Research	000	1	5/11/2023	NEW	$500,000
														Subtotal = $500,000

Grand Total All Awards = $458,474

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Mitigating the Spread of Misinformation and Disinformation about COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment Initiatives among Hispanics

Award Number: U01FD007886

ORGANIZATION: FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

OPDIV: FDA

AWARD CLASS: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/10/2023

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/27/2025

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer