Table 3 Block leader recruitment intervention: Diagnosis and Design

Community members lack of knowledge of campaign.

Campaign t-shirts increase the salience [42] of the campaign and gain-framed messages [43, 44] highlight the benefits of participation.

Two to 4 weeks prior to targeted spray dates, campaign staff approach local leaders and ask them to serve as neighbor recruiters.

Provide training to leaders on Chagas disease, the vector control campaigns, and how to promote the campaign to neighbors

Recruiters asked to promote the campaign to 10–12 houses on their block through multiple visits, wear the t-shirts regularly, and distribute additional t-shirts.

Recruitment of leaders was very difficult in some neighborhoods, particularly those with less social cohesion.

Group training was difficult to schedule.

Considerable variation in leader skills and background.

Snowball recruitment methods for leaders were added. Research staff also recruited based on prior personal connections.

Group training was shortened; a second one-on-one practice session was added.

Leaders were given a training certificate and a recognition ceremony was held at the end of the campaign.

Community members report not knowing others who participate.

Bandwagoning research suggests households will more likely to participate if they are told their neighbors are participating as well. [45, 46]

Recruiters are encouraged to tell households that they participated themselves, and also that neighbors are participation.

Distrust of the government campaign and campaign field staff

Research on norms and peer pressure suggests that households will be more likely to participate if they are recruited by a neighborhood opinion leader. [47, 48]

Recruiters receive promotional t-shirts with gain-framed messages, a clipboard, a phone card with mobile minutes, and the educational materials used by campaign staff.