Building better conversations: results of a community-based online health misinformation and motivational interviewing training program in Alaska

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.