Building better conversations

Results of a community-based online health misinformation and motivational interviewing training program in Alaska

Bibliographic Data

ID15377142
AuthorsDrew Cameron (0000-0002-5646-3894, Yale University, corresponding author), Laura Grage (0000-0002-8694-156X, University of Alaska Fairbanks), T W Hennessy (University of Alaska Anchorage), A Cheng (0000-0003-4418-2144, Yale University), Michael Quinn (0000-0003-3857-1573, Yale University), Rebecca Van Wyck (University of Alaska Anchorage), J A Meyer (0000-0002-3398-4363, University of Alaska Anchorage), Gabriel Garcia (0000-0002-3714-9875, University of Alaska Anchorage), J C Mapaye (University of Alaska Anchorage), Katie Cueva (0000-0002-8013-9680, University of Alaska Anchorage)
Year2026
Volume26
Issue1
Publication date2026-04-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBMC Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1471-2458 • E-ISSN: 1471-2458
PublisherBioMed Central (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1186/s12889-026-26611-1
PMID41923017
OpenAlexW7147085876
LanguageEN
References cited43

The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by a proliferation of health misinformation, waning trust in health providers, and persistent vaccine hesitancy. To confront these challenges, a research team based in Alaska developed and pilot-tested an online training program called Building Better Conversations. Between July and September 2022, we delivered a total of nine trainings to 116 community members in Alaska, including health professionals, nurses, public health students, and public information officers, among others. Content included COVID-19 recommendations, health misinformation tactics, motivational interviewing strategies, and interactive role plays to practice addressing misinformation in realistic scenarios. Pre- and post-training surveys collected demographic data, impressions of the training, and changes in knowledge and self-efficacy. Qualitative interviews further explored attitudes towards the training and were examined using content and thematic analysis. From July 2022 to April 2023, we collected 92 pre-training, 67 post-training, and 27 three-month follow-up surveys, and 38 in-depth interviews over two rounds. Participants expressed enthusiasm for the training, showing sustained improvements in misinformation recognition and self-efficacy identifying and discussing health information and misinformation, and talking with friends/family and others. This study highlights the potential of an educational program to improve knowledge and self-confidence to recognize and address health misinformation

Biostatistics · Health communication · Health education · Interview · Misinformation · Motivational interviewing · Public health · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Health Literacy and Information Accessibility · Misinformation and Its Impacts · Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy