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Perceived Barriers to COVID-19 Testing.
McElfish, Pearl A; Purvis, Rachel; James, Laura P; Willis, Don E; Andersen, Jennifer A.
  • McElfish PA; College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA.
  • Purvis R; College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA.
  • James LP; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
  • Willis DE; College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA.
  • Andersen JA; College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA.
Int J Environ Res Public Health ; 18(5)2021 02 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1110427
ABSTRACT
(1)

Background:

Prior studies have documented that access to testing has not been equitable across all communities in the US, with less testing availability and lower testing rates documented in rural counties and lower income communities. However, there is limited understanding of the perceived barriers to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing. The purpose of this study was to document the perceived barriers to COVID-19 testing. (2)

Methods:

Arkansas residents were recruited using a volunteer research participant registry. Participants were asked an open-ended question regarding their perceived barriers to testing. A qualitative descriptive analytical approach was used. (3)

Results:

Overall, 1221 people responded to the open-ended question. The primary barriers to testing described by participants were confusion and uncertainty regarding testing guidelines and where to go for testing, lack of accessible testing locations, perceptions that the nasal swab method was too painful, and long wait times for testing results. (4)

Conclusions:

This study documents participant reported barriers to COVID-19 testing. Through the use of a qualitative descriptive method, participants were able to discuss their concerns in their own words. This work provides important insights that can help public health leaders and healthcare providers with understanding and mitigating barriers to COVID-19 testing.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Mass Screening / COVID-19 Testing / COVID-19 / Health Services Accessibility Type of study: Diagnostic study / Qualitative research Topics: Long Covid Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: North America Language: English Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Ijerph18052278

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Mass Screening / COVID-19 Testing / COVID-19 / Health Services Accessibility Type of study: Diagnostic study / Qualitative research Topics: Long Covid Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: North America Language: English Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Ijerph18052278