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Baymon DE, Vakkalanka JP, Krishnadasan A, Mohr NM, Talan DA, Hagen MB, Wallace K, Harland KK, Aisiku IP, Hou PC. Race, Ethnicity, and Delayed Time to COVID-19 Testing Among US Health Care Workers. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e245697. [PMID: 38598239 PMCID: PMC11007575 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.5697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Access to COVID-19 testing is critical to reducing transmission and supporting early treatment decisions; when made accessible, the timeliness of testing may also be an important metric in mitigating community spread of the infection. While disparities in transmission and outcomes of COVID-19 have been well documented, the extent of timeliness of testing and the association with demographic factors is unclear. Objectives To evaluate demographic factors associated with delayed COVID-19 testing among health care personnel (HCP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used data from the Preventing Emerging Infections Through Vaccine Effectiveness Testing study, a multicenter, test-negative, case-control vaccine effectiveness study that enrolled HCP who had COVID-19 symptoms and testing between December 2020 and April 2022. Data analysis was conducted from March 2022 to Junne 2023. Exposure Displaying COVID-19-like symptoms and polymerase chain reaction testing occurring from the first day symptoms occurred up to 14 days after symptoms occurred. Main Outcomes and Measures Variables of interest included patient demographics (sex, age, and clinical comorbidities) and COVID-19 characteristics (vaccination status and COVID-19 wave). The primary outcome was time from symptom onset to COVID-19 testing, which was defined as early testing (≤2 days) or delayed testing (≥3 days). Associations of demographic characteristics with delayed testing were measured while adjusting for clinical comorbidities, COVID-19 characteristics, and test site using multivariable modeling to estimate relative risks and 95% CIs. Results A total of 5551 HCP (4859 female [82.9%]; 1954 aged 25-34 years [35.2%]; 4233 non-Hispanic White [76.3%], 370 non-Hispanic Black [6.7%], and 324 non-Hispanic Asian [5.8%]) were included in the final analysis. Overall, 2060 participants (37.1%) reported delayed testing and 3491 (62.9%) reported early testing. Compared with non-Hispanic White HCP, delayed testing was higher among non-Hispanic Black HCP (adjusted risk ratio, 1.18; 95%CI, 1.10-1.27) and for non-Hispanic HCP of other races (adjusted risk ratio, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.03-1.33). Sex and age were not associated with delayed testing. Compared with clinical HCP with graduate degrees, all other professional and educational groups had significantly delayed testing. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of HCP, compared with non-Hispanic White HCP and clinical HCP with graduate degrees, non-Hispanic Black HCP, non-Hispanic HCP of other races, and HCP all other professional and education backgrounds were more likely to have delayed COVID-19 testing. These findings suggest that time to testing may serve as a valuable metric in evaluating sociodemographic disparities in the response to COVID-19 and future health mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- DaMarcus E. Baymon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - J. Priyanka Vakkalanka
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Anusha Krishnadasan
- Olive View-University of California, Los Angeles Education and Research Institute, Los Angeles
| | - Nicholas M. Mohr
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Department of Anesthesia Critical Care, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - David A. Talan
- Olive View-University of California, Los Angeles Education and Research Institute, Los Angeles
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Melissa Briggs Hagen
- National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kelli Wallace
- University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Karisa K. Harland
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Imoigele P. Aisiku
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter C. Hou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Alves IB, Panunzi S, Silva AC, Loesch RBR, Pereira SCR, Martins MRO. Have immigrant children been left behind in COVID-19 testing rates? - A quantitative study in the Lisbon metropolitan area between march 2020 and may 2023. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1286829. [PMID: 38532979 PMCID: PMC10963449 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1286829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Immigrant children often encounter additional barriers in accessing health care than their peers. However, there is a lack of evidence globally regarding how migrant status may have affected access to COVID-19 testing during the pandemic. This study aimed to analyze migrant status as a determinant of COVID-19 testing rates among children in the Lisbon metropolitan area, Portugal. This cross-sequential study included 722 children aged 2-8 years (47% non-immigrants; 53% immigrants). We collected data from a national surveillance system on laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 tests conducted between March 2020 and May 2023 and assessed whether children were ever tested for COVID-19 and testing frequency. We employed robust and standard Poisson regression models to estimate Adjusted Prevalence Ratios and Relative Risks with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 637 tests were performed. Immigrant children had lower testing rates (53% vs. 48%) and fewer tests per child (median: 2 vs. 3). Moreover, they were 17% less likely to be ever tested (PR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.76-0.89) and performed 26% fewer tests (RR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.67-0.82) compared to non-immigrant children. Caregiver's age, education, employment status, child's birth weight, and perceived health status were associated factors. Our findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has left immigrant children somewhat behind. We conclude that specific interventions targeting vulnerable populations, such as immigrant children, are needed in future health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iolanda B. Alves
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Silvia Panunzi
- Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - António C. Silva
- Public Health Department, Regional Health Administration of Lisbon and Tagus Valley, Ministry of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
- AJPAS-Associação de Intervenção Comunitária, Desenvolvimento Social e de Saúde, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Regina B. R. Loesch
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia C. R. Pereira
- Amadora Primary Care Health Centre’s Group, Regional Health Administration of Lisbon and Tagus Valley, Ministry of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M. Rosário O. Martins
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Katzmarzyk PT, Myers CA, Nelson MR, Denstel KD, Mire EF, Newton RL, Broyles ST, Kirwan JP. Exploring barriers to SARS-CoV-2 testing uptake in underserved black communities in Louisiana. Am J Hum Biol 2023; 35:e23879. [PMID: 36807397 PMCID: PMC10591290 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To collect qualitative data on approaches that can potentially reduce barriers to, and create strategies for, increasing SARS-CoV-2 testing uptake in underserved Black communities in Louisiana. METHODS A series of eight focus groups, including 41 participants, were conducted in primarily Black communities. The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used to determine perceptions of COVID-19 as a disease, access to testing, and barriers limiting testing uptake. RESULTS Common barriers to SARS-CoV-2 testing were identified as lack of transportation, misinformation/lack of information, lack of time/long wait times, fear of the test being uncomfortable and/or testing positive, the cost of testing, and lack of computer/smartphone/internet. The most impactful approaches identified to increase testing uptake included providing testing within the local communities; testing specifically in heavily traveled areas such as supermarkets, churches, schools, and so forth; providing incentives; engaging local celebrities; and providing information to the community through health fairs, or through churches and schools. The strategies that were deemed to be the easiest to implement revolved around communication about testing, with suggested strategies involving churches, local celebrities or expert leaders, social media, text messages, public service announcements, post cards, or putting up signs in neighborhoods. Providing transportation to testing sites, providing incentives, and bringing the testing to neighborhoods and schools were also identified as easy to implement strategies. CONCLUSIONS Several strategies to increase testing uptake were identified in this population. These strategies need to be tested for effectiveness in real-world settings using experimental and observational study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Candice A. Myers
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Michelle R. Nelson
- Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kara D. Denstel
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Emily F. Mire
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Robert L. Newton
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | | | - John P. Kirwan
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
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Blasingame M, Mallett V, Cook M, Im W, Wilus D, Kimbrough R, Ikwuezunma G, Orok E, Reed B, Akanbi V, Amoo-Asante A, Sanderson M. Association of Psychosocial Factors on COVID-19 Testing among YWCA Service Recipients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1297. [PMID: 36674054 PMCID: PMC9859612 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine how psychosocial factors affect receipt of COVID-19 testing among Black and Hispanic women. In this cross-sectional study of Black and Hispanic women who received services from the YWCAs in Atlanta, El Paso, Nashville, and Tucson between 2019 and 2021 (n = 662), we used Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS) item bank 1.0 short forms to examine the impact of psychosocial factors (i.e., depression, anxiety, social isolation, instrumental support, emotional support, and companionship) on COVID-19 testing. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for receipt of a COVID-19 test associated with psychosocial factors while adjusting for confounders. There was little effect of moderate/severe depressions or anxiety on receipt of COVID-19 testing. Black (odds ratio [OR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26-1.29) and Hispanic (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.38-0.96) women with high levels of emotional support were less likely to receive the COVID-19 test. While high levels of instrumental support was associated with less likely receipt of the COVID-19 test among Black women (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.34-1.66), it was associated with more likely receipt among Hispanic women (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.74-1.92). Our findings suggest that certain psychosocial factors influence one's decision to get a COVID-19 test which can be useful in encouraging preventive healthcare such as screening and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaya Blasingame
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Veronica Mallett
- Center for Women’s Health Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Mekeila Cook
- Center for Women’s Health Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Wansoo Im
- Center for Women’s Health Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Derek Wilus
- Center for Women’s Health Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Robin Kimbrough
- Center for Women’s Health Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Gini Ikwuezunma
- Center for Women’s Health Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Ekemini Orok
- Center for Women’s Health Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Breia Reed
- Center for Women’s Health Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Victoria Akanbi
- Center for Women’s Health Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Aurdie Amoo-Asante
- Center for Women’s Health Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Maureen Sanderson
- Center for Women’s Health Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
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5
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Izeogu C, Gill E, Van Allen K, Williams N, Thorpe LE, Shelley D. Attitudes, perceptions, and preferences towards SARS CoV-2 testing and vaccination among African American and Hispanic public housing residents, New York City: 2020-2021. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280460. [PMID: 36656814 PMCID: PMC9851504 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND African American and Hispanic populations have been affected disproportionately by COVID-19. Reasons are multifactorial and include social and structural determinants of health. During the onset and height of the pandemic, evidence suggested decreased access to SARS CoV-2 testing. In 2020, the National Institutes of Health launched the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx)- Underserved Populations initiative to improve SARS CoV-2 testing in underserved communities. In this study, we explored attitudes, experiences, and barriers to SARS CoV-2 testing and vaccination among New York City public housing residents. METHODS Between December 2020 and March 2021, we conducted 9 virtual focus groups among 36 low-income minority residents living in New York City public housing. RESULTS Among residents reporting a prior SARS CoV-2 test, main reasons for testing were to prepare for a medical procedure or because of a high-risk exposure. Barriers to testing included fear of discomfort from the nasal swab, fear of exposure to COVID-19 while traveling to get tested, concerns about the consequences of testing positive and the belief that testing was not necessary. Residents reported a mistrust of information sources and the health care system in general; they depended more on "word of mouth" for information. The major barrier to vaccination was lack of trust in vaccine safety. Residents endorsed more convenient testing, onsite testing at residential buildings, and home self-test kits. Residents also emphasized the need for language-concordant information sharing and for information to come from "people who look like [them] and come from the same background as [them]". CONCLUSIONS Barriers to SARS CoV-2 testing and vaccination centered on themes of a lack of accurate information, fear, mistrust, safety, and convenience. Resident-endorsed strategies to increase testing include making testing easier to access either through home or onsite testing locations. Education and information sharing by trusted members of the community are important tools to combat misinformation and build trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chigozirim Izeogu
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Emily Gill
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kaitlyn Van Allen
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Natasha Williams
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Lorna E. Thorpe
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Donna Shelley
- Department of Public Health Policy and Management, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
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6
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Schilling J, Moeller FG, Peterson R, Beltz B, Joshi D, Gartner D, Vang J, Jain P. Testing the Acceptability and Usability of an AI-Enabled COVID-19 Diagnostic Tool Among Diverse Adult Populations in the United States. Qual Manag Health Care 2023; 32:S35-S44. [PMID: 36579707 PMCID: PMC9811483 DOI: 10.1097/qmh.0000000000000396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Although at-home coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) testing offers several benefits in a relatively cost-effective and less risky manner, evidence suggests that at-home COVID-19 test kits have a high rate of false negatives. One way to improve the accuracy and acceptance of COVID-19 screening is to combine existing at-home physical test kits with an easily accessible, electronic, self-diagnostic tool. The objective of the current study was to test the acceptability and usability of an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled COVID-19 testing tool that combines a web-based symptom diagnostic screening survey and a physical at-home test kit to test differences across adults from varying races, ages, genders, educational, and income levels in the United States. METHODS A total of 822 people from Richmond, Virginia, were included in the study. Data were collected from employees and patients of Virginia Commonwealth University Health Center as well as the surrounding community in June through October 2021. Data were weighted to reflect the demographic distribution of patients in United States. Descriptive statistics and repeated independent t tests were run to evaluate the differences in the acceptability and usability of an AI-enabled COVID-19 testing tool. RESULTS Across all participants, there was a reasonable degree of acceptability and usability of the AI-enabled COVID-19 testing tool that included a physical test kit and symptom screening website. The AI-enabled COVID-19 testing tool demonstrated overall good acceptability and usability across race, age, gender, and educational background. Notably, participants preferred both components of the AI-enabled COVID-19 testing tool to the in-clinic testing. CONCLUSION Overall, these findings suggest that our AI-enabled COVID-19 testing approach has great potential to improve the quality of remote COVID testing at low cost and high accessibility for diverse demographic populations in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Schilling
- Vibrent Health, Fairfax, Virginia (Messrs Schilling and Jain, Mss Peterson and Gartner, and Drs Beltz and Joshi); George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia (Dr Vang); and Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (Dr Moeller)
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7
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Nwaozuru U, Obiezu-Umeh C, Diallo H, Graham D, Whembolua GL, Bourgeau MJ, Ritchwood TD, Nelson LE, Shato T, Mathews A, Moise R, Ward MC, Raude J, Ahonkhai AA, Young DJ, Conserve DF. Perceptions of COVID-19 self-testing and recommendations for implementation and scale-up among Black/African Americans: implications for the COVID-19 STEP project. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1220. [PMID: 35725400 PMCID: PMC9207861 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13619-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 self-testing (ST) is an innovative strategy with the potential to increase the access and uptake of testing and ultimately to limit the spread of the virus. To maximize the uptake and reach of this promising strategy and inform intervention development and scale up, research is needed to understand the acceptability of and willingness to use this tool. This is vital to ensure that Black/African Americans are reached by the Biden-Harris Administration's free national COVID-19 ST program. This study aimed to explore the acceptability and recommendations to promote and scale-up the uptake of COVID-19 ST among Black/African Americans. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study using a semi-structured questionnaire to assess barriers and facilitators to the uptake of COVID-19 ST among a convenience sample of 28 self-identified Black/African Americans from schools, community centers, and faith-based institutions in Ohio and Maryland. Inductive content analysis was conducted to identify categories and subcategories related to acceptability and recommendations for implementing and scaling up COVID-19 ST in communities. RESULTS Participants perceived COVID-19 self-testing as an acceptable tool that is beneficial to prevent transmission and address some of the barriers associated with health facility testing, such as transportation cost and human contact at the health facility. However, concerns were raised regarding the accurate use of the kits and costs. Recommendations for implementing and scaling up COVID-19 ST included engagement of community stakeholders to disseminate information about COVID-19 self-testing and creating culturally appropriate education tools to promote knowledge of and clear instructions about how to properly use COVID-19 ST kits. Based on these recommendations, the COVID-19 STEP (Self-Testing Education and Promotion) Project is being developed and will involve engaging community partners such as barbers, church leaders, and other community-based organizations to increase the uptake and use of free COVID-19 ST kits among Black/African Americans. CONCLUSION Findings showed that most participants considered COVID-19 ST valuable for encouraging COVID-19 testing. However, cost and accuracy concerns may pose barriers. Future work should consider implementing interventions that leverage the benefits of COVID-19 ST and further assess the extent to which these identified facilitators and barriers may influence COVID-19 ST uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ucheoma Nwaozuru
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 475 Vine Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 USA
| | - Chisom Obiezu-Umeh
- grid.262962.b0000 0004 1936 9342College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Hassim Diallo
- grid.164295.d0000 0001 0941 7177School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Danielle Graham
- grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593Department of Africana Studies, University of Cincinnati, 2815 Commons Way, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0370 USA
| | - Guy-Lucien Whembolua
- grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593Department of Africana Studies, University of Cincinnati, 2815 Commons Way, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0370 USA
| | - Marie Janeeca Bourgeau
- grid.262273.00000 0001 2188 3760Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Queens, New York, NY 11567 USA
| | - Tiarney D. Ritchwood
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University School of Medicine, 2200 W Main St, Durham, NC 27705 USA
| | - LaRon E. Nelson
- grid.47100.320000000419368710School of Nursing, Yale University, 400 West Campus Drive, Orange, CT 06477 USA
| | - Thembekile Shato
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Washington University in Saint Louis, Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Allison Mathews
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Gilead COMPASS Faith Coordinating Center, School of Divinity, Wake Forest University, 2596 Reynolda Rd., Suite 215C, Winston-Salem, NC 27106 USA
| | - Rhoda Moise
- Rhoda Moise, LLC, 127 Church Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 USA
| | - Maranda C. Ward
- grid.253615.60000 0004 1936 9510School of Medicine and Health Science, The George Washington University, 2600 Virginia Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20036 USA
| | - Jocelyn Raude
- grid.414412.60000 0001 1943 5037EHESP School of Public Health, Avenue du Pr Leon Bernard, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Aima A. Ahonkhai
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA
| | - Diane J. Young
- grid.430001.60000 0004 0623 0683Prince George’s County Health Department, Family Health Services, Largo, MD 20774 USA
| | - Donaldson F. Conserve
- grid.253615.60000 0004 1936 9510The George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20052 USA
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Kas-Osoka C, Moss J, Alexander L, Davis J, Parham I, Barre I, Cunningham-Erves J. African Americans views of COVID-19 contact tracing and testing. Am J Infect Control 2022; 50:577-580. [PMID: 35263614 PMCID: PMC8898856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Increasing COVID-testing and contact tracing is necessary to control the COVID-19 pandemic considering suboptimal vaccine rates. We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore views towards contact tracing and testing among 62 African Americans. Based on our findings, participants identified COVID-19 testing and contact tracing as beneficial, yet medical and governmental mistrust, stigma associated with SARS-CoV-2, lack of access, poor communication, and costs as major barriers. This study also highlights intervention targets to improve COVID-testing and contact tracing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chioma Kas-Osoka
- Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Jamal Moss
- Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Leah Alexander
- Meharry Medical College, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Division of Public Health Practice, Nashville, TN
| | - Jamaine Davis
- Meharry Medical College, School of Medical, Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN
| | - Imari Parham
- Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Iman Barre
- Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
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9
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Nwaozuru U, Obiezu-Umeh C, Diallo H, Graham D, Whembolua GL, Bourgeau MJ, Ritchwood T, Nelson LE, Shato T, Mathews A, Moise R, Ward MC, Raude J, Ahonkhai AA, Young DJ, Conserve DF. Perceptions of COVID-19 Self-Testing and Recommendations for Implementation and Scale up Among Black/African Americans: Implications for the COVID-19 STEP Project. RESEARCH SQUARE 2022:rs.3.rs-1277219. [PMID: 35194597 PMCID: PMC8863154 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1277219/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 self-testing (ST) is an innovative strategy with the potential to increase the access and uptake of testing and ultimately to limit the spread of the virus. To maximize the uptake and reach of this promising strategy and inform intervention development and scale up, research is needed to understand the acceptability of and willingness to use this tool. This is vital to ensure that Black/African Americans are reached by the Biden-Harris Administration’s free national COVID-19 ST program. This study aimed to explore the acceptability and recommendations to promote and scale up the uptake of COVID-19 ST among Black/African Americans. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study using a semi-structured survey to assess barriers and facilitators to the uptake of COVID-19 ST among a convenience sample of 28 self-identified Black/African Americans from schools, community centers, and faith-based institutions in Ohio and Maryland. Inductive content analysis was conducted to identify categories and subcategories related to acceptability and recommendations for implementing and scaling up COVID-19 ST in communities. Results Participants perceived COVID-19 self-testing as an acceptable tool that is beneficial to prevent transmission and address some of the barriers associated with health facility testing, such as transportation cost and human contact at the health facility. However, concerns were raised regarding the accurate use of the kits and costs. Recommendations for implementing and scaling up COVID-19 ST included engagement of community stakeholders to disseminate information about COVID-19 self-testing and creating culturally appropriate education tools to promote knowledge of and clear instructions about how to properly use COVID-19 ST kits. Based on these recommendations, the COVID-19 STEP (Self-Testing Education and Promotion) Project is being developed and will involve engaging community partners such as barbers, church leaders, and other community-based organizations to increase the uptake and use of free COVID-19 ST kits among Black/African Americans. Conclusion Findings showed that most participants considered COVID-19 ST valuable for encouraging COVID-19 testing. However, cost and accuracy concerns may pose barriers. Future work should consider implementing interventions that leverage the benefits of COVID-19 ST and further assess the extent to which these identified facilitators and barriers may influence COVID-19 ST uptake.
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