A Multi-Study Synthesis of Facilitators and Barriers to SARS-CoV-2 Testing Enrollment in School Settings.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1-2023

Identifier

DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-060352J

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Understanding the motivators and barriers to testing enrollment from different stakeholder perspectives is essential to increasing participation in school-based testing programs, particularly among underserved populations. This multistudy analysis aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to enrollment in school-based testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS: Four independent studies collected and analyzed qualitative data from study participants regarding: (1) motivators, benefits, and/or reasons for enrolling and/or participating in COVID-19 testing in schools; and/or (2) concerns, barriers, and/or negative outcomes related to COVID-19 testing in schools. Study authors conducted a retrospective review of findings from the independent studies to identify themes related to testing motivators and concerns that emerged across the studies.

RESULTS: The analysis identified 10 distinct themes regarding the perceived motivators of COVID-19 testing in schools and 15 distinct themes regarding concerns and barriers to COVID-19 testing in schools. Common motivators across multiple studies included convenience of testing in school and the desire to keep self and others safe from COVID-19. Concerns about the implications of receiving a positive test result was a barrier identified by multiple studies.

CONCLUSIONS: Themes from 4 independent studies revealed insights about the motivations and barriers to enrolling and participating in COVID-19 testing programs in kindergarten through 12th grade school settings. Study findings can be used to improve enrollment and participation in new and existing school-based testing programs to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in schools.

Journal Title

Pediatrics

Volume

152

Issue

Suppl 1

MeSH Keywords

Humans; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; COVID-19 Testing

Keywords

Humans; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; COVID-19 Testing

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