Freda Röhr
(Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany)
Despite the important role of testing as a measure against the COVID-19 pandemic, user perspectives on SARS-CoV-2 tests remain scarce, inhibiting an improvement of testing approaches and pandemic preparedness. Conducted amid the second pandemic wave (late 2020 – early 2021) during a multi-arm trial evaluating SARS-CoV-2 surveillance strategies in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, this qualitative sub-study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how test users and rejectors perceived mail-in SARS-CoV-2 gargle tests. We conducted 67 semi-structured in-depth interviews via telephone or video call. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively using thematic analysis. Respondents generally described gargle sampling as simple and comfortable. However, individual perceptions of the testing method and its feasibility varied widely. Self-sampling was appreciated for lowering infection risks during testing but also considered more complex. Gargle-sampling increased participants’ self-efficacy. Communication and trust decisively influenced the intervention’s acceptability. User-driven insights on how to streamline testing include: consider communication, first impressions of tests and information as key for successful mail-in testing; pay attention to the role of mutual trust between those taking and administering tests; implement gargle self-sampling as a pleasant alternative to swab testing; offer multiple test methods to increase test up-take.
Keywords
pandemic preparedness, infectious diseases, COVID-19, test decision, self-sample, gargle
| Registration ID |
OHS25-159
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| Professional Status of the Speaker |
Graduate Student
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| Junior Scientist Status |
Yes, I am a Junior Scientist.
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Freda Röhr
(Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany)
Ferdinand Uellner
(Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany)
Simon Anders
(Center for Molecular Biology Heidelberg (ZMBH), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Bioquant Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg. Germany)
Andreas Deckert
(Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany)
Robin Burk
(Center for Molecular Biology Heidelberg (ZMBH), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany)
Michael Knop
(Center for Molecular Biology Heidelberg (ZMBH), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany)
Lucia Brugnara
(Evaplan Ltd. at the University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany)
Till Bärnighausen
(Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany)
Albrecht Jahn
(Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany)
Shannon McMahon
(Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; International Health Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA)
Aurélia Souares
(Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research Heidelberg Site, Heidelberg, Germany)
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