Passing the Message: Peer Outreach about COVID-19 Precautions in Zambia

Alfredo Burlando, Pradeep Chintagunta, Jessica Goldberg, Melissa Graboyes, Peter Hangoma, Dean Karlan, Mario Macis and Silvia Prina

No 30414, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: 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.

JEL-codes: H0 I0 O10 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-exp and nep-hea
Note: DEV
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Published as Alfredo Burlando & Pradeep Chintagunta & Jessica Goldberg & Melissa Graboyes & Peter Hangoma & Dean Karlan & Mario Macis & Silvia Prina, 2024. "Passing the message: Peer outreach about COVID-19 precautions in Zambia," Journal of Development Economics, .

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Journal Article: Passing the message: Peer outreach about COVID-19 precautions in Zambia (2024)
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