Health Promotion, Health Literacy and Vaccine Hesitancy: The Role of Humanoid Robots

Abstract

The use of humanoid robot technologies within global healthcare settings is rapidly evolving; however, the potential of robots in health promotion and health education is not established. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of a social humanoid robot on individuals’ knowledge of influenza (flu) prevention and attitudes towards influenza vaccination. A multi-methods approach involving pre and post-test questions and interviews was used. The study was undertaken in a publicly funded tertiary level hospital in northern Queensland, Australia. Of the 995 participants, the majority were visitors (53.07%). The mean age of the participants was 42.25 (SD=19.54) years. Based on the three knowledge questions that were posed at the two-point interactions of participants with the humanoid robot ‘Pepper’, the results showed that there was a significant difference in the correct responses pre- and post-test regarding the best way to avoid getting the flu (Exact McNemar significance probability <.0001), how long the flu virus can live outside the human body ( p <.0001) and the length of time for handwashing to be effective against spreading germs ( p <.0001). The results also showed that there was a significant difference in attitudes associated with influenza vaccination when pre-test was compared to post-test ( p=.0019). Interaction of the participants with the humanoid robot demonstrated immediate knowledge gains and attitudinal change that suggests that humanoid robots may be an important intervention for health promotion in prevention of influenza and other respiratory viruses.

<strong>Predictors of eHealth Literacy Among Turkish Adolesents: Perspectives From Preventive Health Practices And Health Promotion Activities</strong>

“…Health literacy, a concept preceding eHealth literacy, is shown to be closely associated with health-related factors, such as health behavior, disease management, and quality of life, infection control in various studies. In recent years, health literacy has been a center of attraction on health improvement focus [8,9]. Accordingly, eHealth literacy-the ability to seek, find, understand, and appraise health information from electronic sources and apply the knowledge gained for addressing or solving a health problem [10] has been adopted as an integral part of healthy life activities and general health in the community as well as adolescents [11,12].…”

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward seasonal influenza vaccine among college students under the COVID‐19 pandemic in South China

“…However, vaccination coverage remains low in developing countries, 3 which is far lower than 75% of the target populations recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) 9 . It's critical that herd immunity protects vulnerable populations and controls the pandemic 10 .…”

“…[1][2][3][4] Nowadays, the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the control measures of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had a strong impact on the epidemic of IVs. [5][6][7][8] However, vaccination coverage remains low in developing countries, 3 which is far lower than 75% of the target populations recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). 9 It's critical that herd immunity protects vulnerable populations and controls the pandemic.…”

“…1 The IVs can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, aerosol, and close contact with infected individuals and may trigger a series of severe illness and even lead to death, studies have proved that the vaccine can effectively decrease the risk of infection, reduce the severity, and the risk of death after infection. [1][2][3][4] Nowadays, the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the control measures of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had a strong impact on the epidemic of IVs. [5][6][7][8] However, vaccination coverage remains low in developing countries, 3 which is far lower than 75% of the target populations recommended by World Health Organization (WHO).…”

“… 1 The IVs can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, aerosol, and close contact with infected individuals and may trigger a series of severe illness and even lead to death, studies have proved that the vaccine can effectively decrease the risk of infection, reduce the severity, and the risk of death after infection. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 Nowadays, the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and the control measures of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) had a strong impact on the epidemic of IVs. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 …”