Values of COVID-19 Self-Testing among Urban and Rural South Africans: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Brumwell, Amanda N.; Babatunde, Gbotemi Bukola; Wilson, Michael W.; Roux, Karl le; Marks, Monique; Adam, Jamila K.; Ivanova, Elena; Batheja, Deepshikha; Goel, Srishti; Shilton, Sonjelle; Martínez-Pérez, Guillermo Z.

doi:10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102114

Cited by 5 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 29 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…(31-33, 35, 36) In our study, almost all respondents who were willing to perform COVID-19 self-testing indicated that they will immediately self-isolate and seek treatment if their test result turned positive, demonstrating a high adherence to the "TRIIS" strategy. Similar to our study, reasons given by individuals who were willing to perform COVID-19 self-testing in other studies included getting the result faster, saving time on travelling and waiting at laboratories, and ensuring privacy (31,32).…”

supporting

confidence: 55%

“…Several factors have been identi ed to be associated with a higher willingness to perform COVID-19 selftesting. A higher education level was reported in ve studies, (17,30,32,35,36) full-time employment was reported in four studies, (32,(34)(35)(36) residents of rural area was reported in three studies, (31,33,35) and older age, (30,34) female gender, (30,34) previously investigated for COVID-19,(30, 32) and higher perceived risk of COVID-19 infection were reported in two studies, (30,32) respectively. Additionally, one study each reported that individuals who stayed with the elderly,(30) previously diagnosed with COVID-19, (34) had been vaccinated against COVID-19,(34) and possessed better knowledge about COVID-19 were more willing to perform COVID-19 self-testing.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Similarly, in China and Nigeria, individuals who had previously been investigated for COVID-19 also expressed a higher willingness to perform COVID-19 self-testing. (30,32) Only a small portion of the population in Indonesia (35.1%), (35) South Africa (24.5%), (31) and Kenya (12.2%) had been investigated for COVID-19 at the time of their respective studies. (33) Their willingness to perform COVID-19 self-testing was not affected by their previous investigation experience.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…South Africa (61.6%) expressed willingness to pay for COVID-19 self-testing (31). In Malaysia, the cost of COVID-19 self-testing is fully borne by users.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Public’s Willingness to Perform COVID-19 Self-Testing during the Transition to the Endemic Phase in Malaysia – A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Ng,

Jamalludin,

Gan

et al. 2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Malaysia entered the transition to the endemic phase of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) on 1st April 2022. This study aims to determine the public’s willingness to perform COVID-19 self-testing. Factors that influenced their willingness to engage in COVID-19 self-testing were also assessed. Methods A nationwide, cross-sectional, and population-based study was conducted online in Malaysia from 28th April 2023 to 4th June 2023. Individuals aged 18 years and above were enrolled through the snowball sampling method. Statistical methods used to analyse data include the Chi-Square test, independent t-test, and binary logistic regression. Results Out of the 1,527 responses received, 1,453 (95.2%) were included in the analysis. Of these respondents, 89.3% were willing, 4.1% were not willing, and 6.6% remained hesitant to perform COVID-19 self-testing, Women [odds ratios (OR): 2.1, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.44–3.00, p < 0.001], individuals with tertiary education (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.32–3.26, p = 0.002), those vaccinated against COVID-19 (OR: 8.1, 95% CI: 2.63–24.82, p < 0.001), and individuals with prior experience of COVID-19 self-testing (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 2.84–6.12, p < 0.001) showed a significantly higher willingness to engage in self-testing. The common reasons given by those willing to perform COVID-19 self-testing included being able to self-isolate (99.0%) and seek treatment (96.3%) earlier if they tested positive for COVID-19. The common reasons against COVID-19 self-testing included the belief that COVID-19 is equivalent to the common flu (91.7%) and having received the COVID-19 vaccine (78.3%). The isolation policy for COVID-19 was the most significant consideration for those who were still hesitant (85.4%). Conclusions The public exhibited a high willingness to perform COVID-19 self-testing during the transition to the endemic phase in Malaysia. Future strategies to promote COVID-19 self-testing uptake in Malaysia should focus on vulnerable groups, address the common concerns among those hesitant and reluctant, and highlight the advantages of self-testing.

show abstract

supporting

confidence: 55%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…South Africa (61.6%) expressed willingness to pay for COVID-19 self-testing (31). In Malaysia, the cost of COVID-19 self-testing is fully borne by users.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Public’s Willingness to Perform COVID-19 Self-Testing during the Transition to the Endemic Phase in Malaysia – A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Ng,

Jamalludin,

Gan

et al. 2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Despite these limitations, the added value of our survey is that its findings are comparable to those of other acceptability studies. In surveys carried out with the same methodology in South Africa, 28 Kenya 24 or Indonesia, 29 acceptability of self-testing was also high as 90.39% (n=531), 81.4% (n=419) and 60.79% (n=630) of respondents in these countries, respectively, expressed likelihood of using a self-test if they needed it. Other quantitative studies carried out in high-income countries such as Cyprus and Greece 30 or Germany 31 have also reported high acceptability.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

SARS-CoV-2 self-testing in Peru: a cross-sectional survey of values and attitudes of the general population

Martínez-Pérez,

Shilton,

Mallma Salazar

et al. 2023

BMJ Open

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

ObjectivesTo assess the values of and attitudes towards the use of rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detection tests for self-testing in a rural and an urban area in Peru.DesignCross-sectional, street-based population survey.SettingA series of over 400 randomly selected street points in Valle del Mantaro and in Lima.Participants438 respondents (203 female) participated. They were all older than 17 years and provided informed consent for participation.InterventionAll respondents answered on the spot, a 35-item questionnaire developed in KoboToolbox.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcomes of interest were: likelihood to use a SARS-CoV-2 self-test; willingness to pay for a SARS-CoV-2 self-test and likelihood to comply with recommended actions following a positive SARS-CoV-2 self-test result. Bivariate analyses and Poisson regression (PR) analyses were performed to identify significant associations between dependent variables and independent variables pertaining to respondents’ characteristics, risk perception and previous experiences with conventional COVID-19 testing.ResultsOf the 438 respondents, 51.49% had previous experience with conventional COVID-19 testing; 20.37% had COVID-19 disease; 86.96% accepted the idea of SARS-CoV-2 self-testing; and, 78.95% would be likely to use it if needed. Almost all (94.75%) would pay for a self-testing device (mean acceptable payment: US$10.4) if it was not provided free of charge by health authorities. Overall, 93.12%, 86.93% and 85.32% would self-isolate, report the results and warn their contacts, respectively. Being a female (adjusted PR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.09, p<0.018), having completed secondary education (adjusted PR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.37, p<0.024) and expressing likelihood to use self-testing (adjusted PR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.16, p<0.0.24) could be predictors of willingness to pay for a self-test.ConclusionsSelf-testing is perceived as an acceptable approach. Health authorities in Peru should facilitate access to this approach to complement healthcare facilities-led testing efforts for COVID-19. Future research is necessary to understand the impact of self-testing in case detection and pandemic control.

show abstract

Evaluating the feasibility and attitudes towards SARS-CoV-2 self-testing in a rural population in Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional survey

Pfavayi,

Choto,

Tagwireyi

et al. 2024

BMJ Open

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

ObjectivesThe widespread adoption of self-testing for SARS-CoV-2 has proven effective in curbing the virus’ spread, particularly in Western countries. However, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding the feasibility, acceptance and factors influencing the uptake of self-testing in low-resource areas, notably rural Africa. Our aim was to assess the willingness and capability of rural Zimbabwean participants to self-diagnose COVID-19 using rapid lateral flow tests (LFTs) and adhere to post-positive test guidelines. Additionally, we aimed to identify barriers to self-testing uptake and reasons for non-compliance with follow-up actions.Design and settingWe conducted a cross-sectional survey in Shamva District, Zimbabwe.ParticipantsA total of 120 villagers aged 18 years and above participated. We employed a questionnaire to gather data on participants' attitudes towards self-testing for SARS-CoV-2 using LFTs, along with their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19.Primary outcomesincluded the likelihood of self-testing, the ability and accuracy of self-testing, adherence to post-test guidelines and socio-demographic factors influencing these responses.ResultsAmong the 120 participants, 108 (90%) expressed willingness to use LFTs for self-testing. The subset unwilling to self-test belonged to a religious sect historically opposed to Western medicine. All self-tests yielded valid results, as confirmed by the appearance of control lines on the LFT. Participants demonstrated the ability to interpret their results accurately without assistance and expressed willingness to adhere to post-test guidelines. Questionnaire responses indicated a preference for self-testing due to its ease, lack of pain, convenience and confidentiality. Moreover, participants exhibited a high level of knowledge about COVID-19.ConclusionThis study underscores the acceptability and feasibility of SARS-CoV-2 LFT self-testing in rural settings, suggesting its potential as an additional public health measure for epidemics and pandemics in low-resource areas.

show abstract

Values of COVID-19 Self-Testing among Urban and Rural South Africans: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Cited by 5 publications

References 29 publications

Public’s Willingness to Perform COVID-19 Self-Testing during the Transition to the Endemic Phase in Malaysia – A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Public’s Willingness to Perform COVID-19 Self-Testing during the Transition to the Endemic Phase in Malaysia – A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

SARS-CoV-2 self-testing in Peru: a cross-sectional survey of values and attitudes of the general population

Evaluating the feasibility and attitudes towards SARS-CoV-2 self-testing in a rural population in Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional survey

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About