Durham University students' experiences of asymptomatic COVID-19 testing: a qualitative study
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(Published version)
Date
2021
Authors
Jones, L.F.
Batteux, E.
Bonfield, S.
Bhogal, J.K.
Taylor, J.
Caiado, C.
Ramagge, J.
Weston, D.
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Journal article
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BMJ Open, 2021; 11(e055644)
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Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the asymptomatic coronavirus testing programme at Durham University by exploring students’ barriers and facilitators to taking part and provide recommendations to improve the programme.
Results: Key motivations for testing included protecting oneself and others and accessing facilities and events. The process of booking, accessing and doing a test was mostly easy and convenient, although some may prefer home testing. There were concerns about the accuracy of tests and the implications of a positive result. Some highlighted they might be less likely to engage in testing if vaccinated. A negative test result provided confidence to engage in their daily activities, while encouraging some to socialise more.
Conclusions: The findings show that the testing programme at Durham University is convenient and well organised, with testing as a potential requirement to access social events, and self-isolation support being key contributor to uptake. These findings provide insights into young adults’ attitudes towards testing and can inform testing programmes in other universities and settings with asymptomatic testing programmes.
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Copyright 2021 Author(s) (or their employer(s)). This is an open access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY- NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non- commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited, appropriate credit is given, any changes made indicated, and the use is non- commercial. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)