RKI distributes 5 euros to citizens: A real gift?

The common claim

In an unusual campaign, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) sent letters with 5 euro notes to selected German citizens to encourage participation in the “Health in Germany” study. A total of 180,000 people from 300 cities and municipalities were selected using a scientific random process. The aim of the campaign is to recruit 30,000 participants for the study by the end of April. This approach has been criticized by the Taxpayers' Association, which is demanding a detailed justification for the use of public money.

The fact check on the 5 euros

Incentives, i.e. incentives for participation in scientific studies, are common practice in research. The RKI justifies the use of money as an incentive by saying that not all potential participants have online access and would be systematically excluded without this measure. Although the surveys in the study are primarily conducted online, participation with paper questionnaires is also possible, so that people without internet access can also take part. The RKI emphasizes that such panel studies are important in order to quickly and regularly collect current data on the health of the population and thus protect and improve public health.

What we found out

The RKI's campaign to send cash by post as an incentive for participation in a health study is based on recognized research funding methods. It aims to ensure broad and diverse participation and also include people without internet access. Criticism, particularly with regard to the use of public funds, points to the need for transparent communication and justification for such measures. The effectiveness and acceptance of incentives in scientific research is therefore a balancing act between efficient data collection and public accountability.

Examples of similar studies

Here are some examples that underline the effectiveness of such approaches:

Smoking cessation programs: A University of Pennsylvania study offered smokers financial incentives to quit smoking. Participants who could prove through regular testing that they did not smoke received cash rewards. The results showed that participants who received financial incentives had a significantly higher abstinence rate than participants in a control group without financial incentives. In the long term, this contributed to a reduction in the health risks and costs associated with smoking.

Vaccination campaigns: In some regions, financial incentives or vouchers have been offered to increase participation in vaccination campaigns. For example, campaigns in India gave parents vouchers for food or small amounts of money if they vaccinated their children. These measures led to a significant increase in vaccination rates, which in turn curbed the spread of preventable diseases and improved public health.

HIV prevention programs: Some studies in Africa offered adolescents and young adults financial incentives to participate in education programs about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases or to receive regular testing. These programs showed that participants who received incentives had higher rates of participation in prevention programs and testing, contributing to early detection and reducing transmission rates.

Physical activity studies: Research projects that offered financial incentives for increased physical activity showed that participants were more likely to achieve and maintain their fitness goals if they were rewarded for doing so. The long-term effects of such programs included a reduction in cardiovascular disease and an improvement in overall health.

These examples illustrate how financial incentives have been used in various areas of public health to encourage participation and motivate health-promoting behavior, thereby achieving positive health outcomes at the individual and societal levels. It is important to consider the ethical aspects of such incentives and ensure that they are used fairly and effectively to achieve public health goals.

Questions and answers on the topic

Question 1 : Why does the RKI send 5 euro notes to citizens?
Answer 1: To promote participation in the “Health in Germany” study and to ensure broad and diverse participation.

Question 2: How were the recipients of the letters selected?
Answer 2: Through a scientific random process from the population registers of 300 cities and municipalities.

Question 3: Why is there criticism of this action?
Answer 3: Because public money is used for the incentives without any prior detailed evidence of their necessity and effectiveness.

Question 4: Are incentives for participating in studies common?
Answer 4: Yes, the use of incentives is common and extensively studied in methodological research.

Question 5 : What is the aim of the “Health in Germany” study?
Answer 5: To study the mental and general health of the population and collect data to improve healthcare.

Conclusion

The discussion about the RKI campaign with the 5 euro notes makes it clear how important transparency and justification are when using public funds in research. It also shows how important it is to think critically and question information. If you would like to find out more about the study and its background, you should contact the RKI directly or appropriate information sources.

Source: t-online

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date. Also explore our extensive media education offering .

You might also be interested in:
False “Tagesschau” reports: How to recognize them?
Time change and Ramadan: satire or truth?
RKI files scandal? A fact check