Information About COVID-19 Testing on College Websites in the New York City Metropolitan Area

Abstract

The continuing COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the Fall reopening plans among institutions of higher education (IHEs) in the United States (U.S.). While recommendations were made to conduct COVID-19 testing of students and staff, it is unclear as to what extent IHEs were able to engage in testing. IHEs also play a critical role in provision of accurate information related to COVID-19 to students and staff. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess available information on COVID-19 testing on IHEs' websites in the New York City (NYC) metropolitan area. IHEs' websites were screened for the presence of content related to COVID-19 testing. Larger institutions (> 10,000 students) were more likely than smaller institutions (≤ 5000 students) to provide information on how to make an appointment for COVID-19 testing (χ 2 (2) = 8.1, P < 0.05), and information on free testing (χ 2 (2) = 7.0, P < 0.05). Of 150 IHEs included, 124 (82.7%) IHE's reported testing data to the campus community, with the majority providing this data biweekly (62.9%). A total of 116 IHEs recorded at least one positive COVID-19 case among their students or staff during the Fall semester. Smaller-sized institutions reported a significantly lower number of cases than medium-(P < 0.001) and large-sized (P = 0.003) institutions. Additional differences related to testing modalities and provision of information were observed according to schools' state jurisdictions. Although geographically close, IHEs in the NYC metropolitan area did not provide information on COVID-19 testing in a uniform and comprehensive fashion, which may further contribute to public confusion.

How College Students Used Information From Institutions of Higher Education in the United States During COVID-19: Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey Study

“…Furthermore, during this unparalleled time with few guidelines for operating large and small institutions, IHEs developed different communication strategies. For example, a cross-sectional study found that larger institutions (>10,000 students) were more likely than smaller institutions (≤5000 students) to provide information on how to make an appointment for COVID-19 testing [ 7 ]. Moreover, IHEs in the New York City metropolitan area did not provide information on COVID-19 testing in a uniform and comprehensive fashion, which could have contributed to public confusion on testing [ 7 ].…”

“…For example, a cross-sectional study found that larger institutions (>10,000 students) were more likely than smaller institutions (≤5000 students) to provide information on how to make an appointment for COVID-19 testing [ 7 ]. Moreover, IHEs in the New York City metropolitan area did not provide information on COVID-19 testing in a uniform and comprehensive fashion, which could have contributed to public confusion on testing [ 7 ]. Within the context of the evolving pandemic, the communication of relevant information from IHEs was instrumental in adherence to NPI [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Association between the level of concern for COVID-19 and information sources among college students

“…For example, a cross-sectional study found larger institutions (> 10, 000 students) were more likely than smaller institutions (≤ 5000 students) to provide information on how to make an appointment for COVID-19 testing [7]. Moreover, IHEs in the New York City (NYC) metropolitan area did not provide information on COVID-19 testing in a uniform and comprehensive fashion, which could have contributed to public confusion on testing [7]. Within the context of the evolving pandemic, communication of relevant information from IHEs can be instrumental in adherence to NPI [8,9].…”

“…Furthermore, during this unparalleled time with few guidelines for operating large and small institutions, IHEs developed different communication strategies. For example, a cross-sectional study found larger institutions (> 10, 000 students) were more likely than smaller institutions (≤ 5000 students) to provide information on how to make an appointment for COVID-19 testing [7]. Moreover, IHEs in the New York City (NYC) metropolitan area did not provide information on COVID-19 testing in a uniform and comprehensive fashion, which could have contributed to public confusion on testing [7].…”