Elena Savoia
Biographic Data
| ID | 4199922 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Elena Savoia |
| GIVEN NAMES | Elena |
| FAMILY NAME | Savoia |
| SIGNATURE | SAVOIA E |
| AFFILIATIONS | Harvard University |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-8300-1177 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 23 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 4 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 23 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2012 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
A Quasi-Experimental Intervention Trial to Test the Efficacy of a Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign
In the United States, several government and non-governmental organizations are implementing human trafficking awareness campaigns. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of specific videos developed as part of the Blue Campaign (BC), a U.S. Department of Homeland Security initiative focused on increasing awareness about human trafficking among first responders. We implemented a quasi-experimental study design with a pre-post intervention que…
A surge of AI-driven publications
The rapid development of generative AI is reshaping scientific communication, particularly in medicine and public health. Since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, Large Language Models have become widely accessible, supporting manuscript editing, statistical analysis, and rapid evidence synthesis. However, this surge in AI-generated content raises concerns about the quality, reliability, and ethical implications of scientific publishing. Increased r…
Implementation and formative evaluation of a youth mental health first aid (YMHFA) training program for teachers in Brockton, Massachusetts
Raising Awareness about Sex Trafficking among School Personnel
School personnel have a high level of awareness of risk factors for sex trafficking but less awareness of the definition of sex trafficking in children. Exposure to short educational videos can increase awareness in the short term. There is a need to develop more comprehensive training initiatives for school personnel on sex trafficking. However, training alone is not sufficient, and there is also a need for developing school protocols and progra…
Reframing human trafficking awareness campaigns in the United States
Introduction: Human trafficking (HT) awareness campaigns can educate the public and specific professional figures about this crime and ways to prevent it. However, there currently remains a gap in terms of how to best frame such campaigns without stigmatizing groups of individuals or portraying victims in unrealistic ways. Methods: We conducted four focus groups with 22 experts in HT to explore their perspectives and opinions on current challenge…
Learning from Covid-19
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the challenges of effective emergency risk communication (ERC) to protect public health, including the difficulty in tackling the spread of inaccurate information. This study aimed to understand those challenges and potential solutions by interviewing leading government spokespersons and their advisors from around the world with experience during large scale emergencies. Int…
Practices and Needs in Reintegration Programs for Violent Extremist Offenders in the United States
As violent extremists continue to be released from prison and put on probation, further research is needed on the best programs and methods for the reintegration of this population. Based on a series of semi-structured interviews of former extremists, this study describes common challenges and helpful elements in the reintegration process. We identify five notable themes: the importance of rapport, challenges in accessing adequate mental health t…
Practices and Needs in Reintegration Programs for Violent Extremist Offenders in the United States
The number of violent extremists in prison and on probation in the United States is clearly increasing, highlighting the need for guidance and knowledge on how to best reintegrate this population. Using a mixed-methods approach comprised of interview and survey data, our study describes current resources, practices, and needs of federal probation officers managing individuals with a history of engagement in violent extremism. We identified three …
Assessing the Role of Trust in Information Sources, Adoption of Preventive Practices, Volunteering and Degree of Training on Biological Risk Prevention, on Perceived Risk of Infection and Usage of Per…
Background: During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Bologna Medical School surveyed medical students to learn more about their preparation to confront challenges posed by the pandemic and whether it affects perceptions of viral infection risk. This information could help design risk-reduction interventions with training to mitigate possible viral exposure. Method: A cross-sectional online survey examining students' ch…
Development of a Codebook of Online Anti-Vaccination Rhetoric to Manage Covid-19 Vaccine Misinformation
Vaccine hesitancy (delay in obtaining a vaccine, despite availability) represents a significant hurdle to managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccine hesitancy is in part related to the prevalence of anti-vaccine misinformation and disinformation, which are spread through social media and user-generated content platforms. This study uses qualitative coding methodology to identify salient narratives and rhetorical styles common to anti-vaccine and COV…
Covid-19 Vaccine Early Skepticism, Misinformation and Informational Needs among Essential Workers in the USA
This study presents the results of a survey of 1591 hesitant U.S. essential workers, conducted over Pollfish in December 2020 when they were the only group eligible for the vaccine, aiming to describe their concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccine safety, effectiveness and distribution policies. We computed frequencies using the SAS software for each answer, using chi-squared statistics and Cochran-Armitage trend tests to determine how informational n…
Adolescents’ Exposure to Online Risks
In the last decade, readily available electronic devices have created unprecedented opportunities for teens to access a wide variety of information and media-both positive and negative-on the internet. Despite the increasing number of initiatives taking place worldwide intended to assess and mitigate the online risks encountered by children and adolescents, there is still a need for a better understanding of how adolescents use the internet and t…
Youth Exposure to Hate in the Online Space
Today's youth have extensive access to the internet and frequently engage in social networking activities using various social media platforms and devices. This is a phenomenon that hate groups are exploiting when disseminating their propaganda. This study seeks to better understand youth exposure to hateful material in the online space by exploring predictors of such exposure including demographic characteristics (age, gender, and race), academi…
Social Media Learning Collaborative for Public Health Preparedness
Preparedness Emergency Response Research Centers (PERRCs)
How Do the First Days Count? A Case Study of Qatar Experience in Emergency Risk Communication during the Mers-CoV Outbreak
The adoption of CERC principles can help restore and maintain the credibility of responding agencies. Further work is needed to develop more rigorous and comprehensive research strategies that address sharing of information by mainstream as well as social media for a more accurate assessment of the impact of the ERC strategy
A Conceptual Framework for the Evaluation of Emergency Risk Communications
Objectives. To articulate a conceptual framework in support of evaluation activities in emergency risk communications (ERC). Methods. The framework proposed is based on a systematic review of the scientific literature (2001–2016) combined with data derived from a series of semistructured interviews with experts and practitioners in ERC, and it is designed to support local, national, and international public health organizations in implementing ev…
Public Health System Research in Public Health Emergency Preparedness in the United States (2009–2015)
Background. In 2008, the Institute of Medicine released a letter report identifying 4 research priority areas for public health emergency preparedness in public health system research: (1) enhancing the usefulness of training, (2) improving timely emergency communications, (3) creating and maintaining sustainable response systems, and (4) generating effectiveness criteria and metrics. Objectives. To (1) identify and characterize public health sys…
Public response to the 2014 chemical spill in West Virginia
Data from this study show that a higher perception of risk and timely receipt of information are associated with compliance with recommended behaviours, underlying the importance of releasing information to the public as quickly as possible during a crisis. This study also highlights the importance of coordinating risk communication activities beyond the area of the incident to assure public understanding of what measures are recommended, which a…
A Conceptual Framework to Measure Systems’ Performance during Emergency Preparedness Exercises
Large-scale public health emergencies require a sophisticated, coordinated response involving multiple entities to protect health and minimize suffering. However, the rarity of such emergencies presents a barrier to gathering observational data about the effectiveness of the public health response before such events occur. For this reason, public health practitioners increasingly have relied on simulated emergencies, known as "exercises" as proxi…
The public health system response to the 2008 Sichuan province earthquake
This paper describes and analyses the public health system response to the deadly earthquake in Sichuan province, China, in May 2008. Drawing on an experiential learning project consisting of a literature review and field research, including a series of interviews with medical and public health professionals, policy‐makers and first responders, a conceptual framework was developed to describe the response. This approach emphasises the pre‐existin…
Use of After Action Reports (AARs) to Promote Organizational and Systems Learning in Emergency Preparedness
Many public health and healthcare organizations use formal knowledge management practices to identify and disseminate the experiences gained over time. The "lessons-learned" approach is one such example of knowledge management practice applied to the wider concept of organizational learning. In the field of emergency preparedness, the lessons-learned approach stands on the assumption that learning from experience improves practice and minimizes a…
Predictors of knowledge of H1N1 infection and transmission in the U.S. population
Policymakers and public health practitioners should take specific SEP factors into consideration when implementing educational and preventive interventions promoting the health and preparedness of the population, and when designing communication campaigns during a public health emergency
Public Health System Research in Public Health Emergency Preparedness in the United States (2009–2015)
Background. In 2008, the Institute of Medicine released a letter report identifying 4 research priority areas for public health emergency preparedness in public health system research: (1) enhancing the usefulness of training, (2) improving timely emergency communications, (3) creating and maintaining sustainable response systems, and (4) generating effectiveness criteria and metrics. Objectives. To (1) identify and characterize public health sys…
Practices and Needs in Reintegration Programs for Violent Extremist Offenders in the United States
The number of violent extremists in prison and on probation in the United States is clearly increasing, highlighting the need for guidance and knowledge on how to best reintegrate this population. Using a mixed-methods approach comprised of interview and survey data, our study describes current resources, practices, and needs of federal probation officers managing individuals with a history of engagement in violent extremism. We identified three …
Use of After Action Reports (AARs) to Promote Organizational and Systems Learning in Emergency Preparedness
Many public health and healthcare organizations use formal knowledge management practices to identify and disseminate the experiences gained over time. The "lessons-learned" approach is one such example of knowledge management practice applied to the wider concept of organizational learning. In the field of emergency preparedness, the lessons-learned approach stands on the assumption that learning from experience improves practice and minimizes a…
Predictors of knowledge of H1N1 infection and transmission in the U.S. population
Policymakers and public health practitioners should take specific SEP factors into consideration when implementing educational and preventive interventions promoting the health and preparedness of the population, and when designing communication campaigns during a public health emergency
A Conceptual Framework to Measure Systems’ Performance during Emergency Preparedness Exercises
Large-scale public health emergencies require a sophisticated, coordinated response involving multiple entities to protect health and minimize suffering. However, the rarity of such emergencies presents a barrier to gathering observational data about the effectiveness of the public health response before such events occur. For this reason, public health practitioners increasingly have relied on simulated emergencies, known as "exercises" as proxi…
The public health system response to the 2008 Sichuan province earthquake
This paper describes and analyses the public health system response to the deadly earthquake in Sichuan province, China, in May 2008. Drawing on an experiential learning project consisting of a literature review and field research, including a series of interviews with medical and public health professionals, policy‐makers and first responders, a conceptual framework was developed to describe the response. This approach emphasises the pre‐existin…
Public response to the 2014 chemical spill in West Virginia
Data from this study show that a higher perception of risk and timely receipt of information are associated with compliance with recommended behaviours, underlying the importance of releasing information to the public as quickly as possible during a crisis. This study also highlights the importance of coordinating risk communication activities beyond the area of the incident to assure public understanding of what measures are recommended, which a…
How Do the First Days Count? A Case Study of Qatar Experience in Emergency Risk Communication during the Mers-CoV Outbreak
The adoption of CERC principles can help restore and maintain the credibility of responding agencies. Further work is needed to develop more rigorous and comprehensive research strategies that address sharing of information by mainstream as well as social media for a more accurate assessment of the impact of the ERC strategy
A Conceptual Framework for the Evaluation of Emergency Risk Communications
Objectives. To articulate a conceptual framework in support of evaluation activities in emergency risk communications (ERC). Methods. The framework proposed is based on a systematic review of the scientific literature (2001–2016) combined with data derived from a series of semistructured interviews with experts and practitioners in ERC, and it is designed to support local, national, and international public health organizations in implementing ev…
Public Health System Research in Public Health Emergency Preparedness in the United States (2009–2015)
Background. In 2008, the Institute of Medicine released a letter report identifying 4 research priority areas for public health emergency preparedness in public health system research: (1) enhancing the usefulness of training, (2) improving timely emergency communications, (3) creating and maintaining sustainable response systems, and (4) generating effectiveness criteria and metrics. Objectives. To (1) identify and characterize public health sys…
Social Media Learning Collaborative for Public Health Preparedness
Preparedness Emergency Response Research Centers (PERRCs)
Youth Exposure to Hate in the Online Space
Today's youth have extensive access to the internet and frequently engage in social networking activities using various social media platforms and devices. This is a phenomenon that hate groups are exploiting when disseminating their propaganda. This study seeks to better understand youth exposure to hateful material in the online space by exploring predictors of such exposure including demographic characteristics (age, gender, and race), academi…
Assessing the Role of Trust in Information Sources, Adoption of Preventive Practices, Volunteering and Degree of Training on Biological Risk Prevention, on Perceived Risk of Infection and Usage of Per…
Background: During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Bologna Medical School surveyed medical students to learn more about their preparation to confront challenges posed by the pandemic and whether it affects perceptions of viral infection risk. This information could help design risk-reduction interventions with training to mitigate possible viral exposure. Method: A cross-sectional online survey examining students' ch…
Development of a Codebook of Online Anti-Vaccination Rhetoric to Manage Covid-19 Vaccine Misinformation
Vaccine hesitancy (delay in obtaining a vaccine, despite availability) represents a significant hurdle to managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccine hesitancy is in part related to the prevalence of anti-vaccine misinformation and disinformation, which are spread through social media and user-generated content platforms. This study uses qualitative coding methodology to identify salient narratives and rhetorical styles common to anti-vaccine and COV…
Covid-19 Vaccine Early Skepticism, Misinformation and Informational Needs among Essential Workers in the USA
This study presents the results of a survey of 1591 hesitant U.S. essential workers, conducted over Pollfish in December 2020 when they were the only group eligible for the vaccine, aiming to describe their concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccine safety, effectiveness and distribution policies. We computed frequencies using the SAS software for each answer, using chi-squared statistics and Cochran-Armitage trend tests to determine how informational n…
Adolescents’ Exposure to Online Risks
In the last decade, readily available electronic devices have created unprecedented opportunities for teens to access a wide variety of information and media-both positive and negative-on the internet. Despite the increasing number of initiatives taking place worldwide intended to assess and mitigate the online risks encountered by children and adolescents, there is still a need for a better understanding of how adolescents use the internet and t…
Reframing human trafficking awareness campaigns in the United States
Introduction: Human trafficking (HT) awareness campaigns can educate the public and specific professional figures about this crime and ways to prevent it. However, there currently remains a gap in terms of how to best frame such campaigns without stigmatizing groups of individuals or portraying victims in unrealistic ways. Methods: We conducted four focus groups with 22 experts in HT to explore their perspectives and opinions on current challenge…
Learning from Covid-19
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the challenges of effective emergency risk communication (ERC) to protect public health, including the difficulty in tackling the spread of inaccurate information. This study aimed to understand those challenges and potential solutions by interviewing leading government spokespersons and their advisors from around the world with experience during large scale emergencies. Int…
Practices and Needs in Reintegration Programs for Violent Extremist Offenders in the United States
As violent extremists continue to be released from prison and put on probation, further research is needed on the best programs and methods for the reintegration of this population. Based on a series of semi-structured interviews of former extremists, this study describes common challenges and helpful elements in the reintegration process. We identify five notable themes: the importance of rapport, challenges in accessing adequate mental health t…
Practices and Needs in Reintegration Programs for Violent Extremist Offenders in the United States
The number of violent extremists in prison and on probation in the United States is clearly increasing, highlighting the need for guidance and knowledge on how to best reintegrate this population. Using a mixed-methods approach comprised of interview and survey data, our study describes current resources, practices, and needs of federal probation officers managing individuals with a history of engagement in violent extremism. We identified three …
Raising Awareness about Sex Trafficking among School Personnel
School personnel have a high level of awareness of risk factors for sex trafficking but less awareness of the definition of sex trafficking in children. Exposure to short educational videos can increase awareness in the short term. There is a need to develop more comprehensive training initiatives for school personnel on sex trafficking. However, training alone is not sufficient, and there is also a need for developing school protocols and progra…
A surge of AI-driven publications
The rapid development of generative AI is reshaping scientific communication, particularly in medicine and public health. Since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, Large Language Models have become widely accessible, supporting manuscript editing, statistical analysis, and rapid evidence synthesis. However, this surge in AI-generated content raises concerns about the quality, reliability, and ethical implications of scientific publishing. Increased r…
Implementation and formative evaluation of a youth mental health first aid (YMHFA) training program for teachers in Brockton, Massachusetts
A Quasi-Experimental Intervention Trial to Test the Efficacy of a Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign
In the United States, several government and non-governmental organizations are implementing human trafficking awareness campaigns. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of specific videos developed as part of the Blue Campaign (BC), a U.S. Department of Homeland Security initiative focused on increasing awareness about human trafficking among first responders. We implemented a quasi-experimental study design with a pre-post intervention que…
Medicine (21 works) · Political science (15 works) · Environmental health (13 works) · Psychology (12 works) · Public health (12 works) · Public relations (12 works) · Computer Science (9 works) · Nursing (9 works) · Disaster Management and Resilience (8 works) · Medical emergency (8 works)