Using video as a public communication tool to increase scientific and health literacy has grown in popularity. This study created and evaluated a YouTube video about red tide in Florida (caused by the microalga Karenia brevis ) as part of an environmental and health impact mitigation strategy. A stepwise framework was developed and is presented for creation of videos that increase viewer scientific and health literacy. The animated video Red Tide in Florida covered critical information topics such as effects on health and accessing resources targeted to a broad audience of residents and visitors. The video was distributed with a brief online survey November 2022 to February 2023 to both a convenience sample of Florida residents (n = 213) and an experimental panel of approximately half Florida residents and half U.S. residents of other states (n = 419). Results supported the video as an effective tool to both engage viewers (84% convenience and 87% experimental rated the video as “Good” or “Very Good”) and to increase their understanding of red tide (77% convenience and 88% experimental). This study informs management strategies aimed at improving community resilience against environmental challenges by demonstrating a targeted public education science video can successfully increase viewer knowledge to promote self-efficacy in health and environmental action. • A successful video development framework increases viewer understanding of red tide • Video improves viewer knowledge to support informed decisions during harmful algal bloom events • The animated video increases Karenia brevis red tide scientific and health literacy • The video design framework supports strong future environmental video communication
Abbott et al. (Fri,) studied this question.