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Multi-dimensional factors related to participation in a population-wide mass COVID-19 testing program among Hong Kong adults: A population-based randomized survey.
Xin, Meiqi; Lau, Joseph Tak-Fai; Lau, Mason M C.
  • Xin M; Centre for Health Behaviours Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
  • Lau JT; Centre for Health Behaviours Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. Electronic address: jlau@cuhk.edu.hk.
  • Lau MMC; Centre for Health Behaviours Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Soc Sci Med ; 294: 114692, 2022 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1586481
ABSTRACT
RATIONALE Mass testing is considered as an important policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and high population coverage is pivotal to its effectiveness. A range of factors derived from health behaviour theories were hypothesized to be associated with public uptake of mass testing, including illness representations of COVID-19, perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, perceived efficacy of the testing program, and general trust toward governmental measures for controlling COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to investigate the multi-dimensional factors associated with participation in a free and voluntary population-wide mass COVID-19 testing program.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hong Kong within two weeks after the Universal Community Testing Program for COVID-19 concluded on September 14, 2020. A random population-based telephone survey interviewed 443 Hong Kong general adults who were aged ≥18 and had not joined other COVID-19 testing programs. The dependent variable was participation in the Universal Community Testing Program. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to test the associations of participation in the program with the proposed factors.

RESULTS:

The standardized participation rate of the testing program was estimated to be about 37.2% among the general adults (33.0% among males; 40.8% among females) in Hong Kong. The participation rates were significantly lower among males and younger adults. Adjusted for socio-demographics, significant factors included four dimensions of illness representations of COVID-19 (treatment control adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.41; illness identity AOR = 1.10; concern AOR = 1.14; emotions AOR = 1.10), perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 (AOR = 1.40), perceived efficacy of the testing program (AOR = 2.73), and trust toward governmental control measures (AOR = 4.30).

CONCLUSIONS:

The participation rate of the population-wide mass testing program was not high among general adults in Hong Kong, evidence-based health promotion is necessary. The study informs some critical factors to be addressed to effectively boost public support for the mass testing policy in response to emerging infectious diseases.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: COVID-19 Testing / COVID-19 Type of study: Diagnostic study / Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adult / Aged / Female / Humans / Male Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: Soc Sci Med Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.socscimed.2021.114692

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: COVID-19 Testing / COVID-19 Type of study: Diagnostic study / Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adult / Aged / Female / Humans / Male Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: Soc Sci Med Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.socscimed.2021.114692