Planning for the End at the Beginning: A Lesson in Sharing Research Findings of a Community-based COVID-19 Seroprevalence Survey

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionSharing research findings with participants is important but challenging. We evaluated a plan to share findings with participants of a COVID-19 seroprevalence project.MethodsAn electronic survey was distributed to participants after completion of the project to determine reach of planned coverage of the findings.ResultsMost respondents (80% n=428) had not seen the coverage; but nearly all (90%, n=388) wanted to see the findings. Participants identified a brief visual report as their preferred avenue. A second follow-up survey found that 99% of those who read the report approved.DiscussionWhen researchers alone create a plan to share project findings, efforts may not reach nor be in the format desired by participants.ConclusionsThis work can serve as a model for collaborating with community to disseminate public health data.