Evaluating Tick-bite Prevention and Risk Using a Smartphone App with Daily Activity Logs

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of ecological momentary assessments through a smartphone application to study risk and risk factors for tick encounters and tick-borne diseases in the United States. The study focuses on the upper Midwest and Northeast regions, especially Wisconsin, and plans to enroll up to 1000 participants. It aims to understand human behavior related to tick encounters and prevention methods by providing educational messaging within the app. Participants will use the Tick App to record daily logs about their activities, locations, tick encounters, and prevention behaviors over seven days. During part of the year, the apps opening screen will show prevention messages and reminders, with users randomly assigned to receive either a basic tick check reminder or an additional prevention message, such as bathing or showering. This design allows comparison of how different educational messages impact prevention behaviors and tick encounters. Throughout the study, researchers will analyze participants daily logs and compare prevention behaviors and self-reported tick encounters over up to 12 months. The primary outcome is the change in the number of tick prevention behaviors, with a secondary focus on changes in tick encounters. Participants will provide informed consent and complete the daily logs within a year. The study includes safety monitoring of participant adherence and data collection via the app, with no mention of extended follow-up beyond 12 months.

The Tick App: Changing Behaviors With Educational Messaging