A Quasi-Experimental Intervention Trial to Test the Efficacy of a Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign: The Blue Campaign

Author: Savoia, E.; Su, M.; Leffler, A.; Hughes, D.; Spurrell, W.; Tejan, M. & Montrond, A.

Abstract: In the United States, several government and non-governmental organizations are implementing human trafficking awareness campaigns. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of specific videos developed as part of the Blue Campaign (BC), a U.S. Department of Homeland Security initiative focused on increasing awareness about human trafficking among first responders. We implemented a quasi-experimental study design with a pre-post intervention questionnaire and a control group, using an organic-sampling-survey method. The study was conducted between September 18–22, 2021. The data were gathered from 2,006 first responders using the online survey platform Pollfish, with three awareness videos embedded in an online survey instrument. Questions related to the content of each video were incorporated in the survey tool using a pre-post video survey design. Our findings indicate that the BC videos we examined are effective in improving general awareness about human trafficking based on the specific knowledge outcomes included in the survey. Our study did not test for the accuracy of the content of the videos or for actions undertaken by first responders based on the knowledge acquired. This study is aligned with the UN Sustainable Goal of promoting just, peaceful, and inclusive societies.

Keywords: human trafficking, awareness, first responders, campaign