Process and Outcome Evaluation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Think. Test. Treat TB Health Communications Campaign, United States, March-September 2022.

Abstract

Objectives: The Think. Test. Treat TB health communications campaign aims to increase the awareness of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) primarily among people born in the Philippines and Vietnam and other non-US-born groups (consumers) and the health care providers (providers) who serve them. We conducted a process evaluation to assess reach and audience engagement and an outcome evaluation to assess awareness, knowledge, perceptions, and behavioral intentions among audiences of the campaign.

Methods: To evaluate the process, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measured exposure to (eg, with impressions [total advertisements]) and engagement with (eg, online clicks) the campaign during its rollout (March-September 2022). After the rollout, to evaluate outcomes, we administered online surveys to consumers and providers who were exposed and not exposed to the campaign.

Results: The Think. Test. Treat TB campaign resulted in >33 million impressions, >2000 materials downloaded from the internet, and >33 000 materials shipped. Of 173 consumers who completed the evaluation survey, 123 (71.1%) were exposed to the campaign, with 108 (87.8%) reporting intention to ask their provider about tuberculosis (TB) during their next visit. Of 44 providers who completed the evaluation survey, 24 (54.5%) did not feel that they were the intended audience of the campaign, yet all felt the campaign materials were relevant to their patients, and 42 (95.5%) felt the materials were relevant to providers who serve patients at risk for TB.

Conclusion: The Think. Test. Treat TB campaign was successful in raising awareness of LTBI among the intended audiences. Continuing engagement with key audiences about LTBI to encourage testing and treatment is integral to eliminate TB in the United States.