Decreasing compliance costs using behavioral interventions: An evaluation of lead testing in Chicago
Main Article Content
Keywords
RCT, Behavioral interventions, Simplification, SMS reminders, Compliance cost
Abstract
Exposure to lead is a well-documented public health concern. One source of exposure is water transported via lead pipes. As the city with the most lead service lines, Chicago offers at-home lead testing. However, at-home testing is a multi-step process with considerable compliance costs for residents who choose to engage with the city’s service. This study has two components designed to reduce compliance costs: a randomized control trial (RCT) testing the effectiveness of a text message reminder on lead test kit returns and a pre/post evaluation of the redesign of instructions for completing the lead testing kit. Results show the text reminder increased test kit returns by more than 200 percent and the redesigned kits increased use by 20 percent. Subsequent analyses show that the text message intervention was equally effective across the income distribution. These large, universal effect sizes indicate the usefulness of behavioral interventions to reduce resident compliance costs in multi-step processes at the local level.