Public understanding of COVID-19 antibody testing and test results: A qualitative study conducted in the U.K. early in the pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, antibody testing was proposed by several countries as a surveillance tool to monitor the spread of the virus and potentially to ease restrictions. In the UK, antibody testing originally formed the third pillar of the UK Government's COVID-19 testing programme and was thought to offer hope that those with a positive antibody test result could return to normal life. However, at that time scientists and the public had little understanding of the longevity of COVID-19 antibodies, and whether they provided immunity to reinfection or transmission of the virus.

Objective

This paper explores the UK public's understanding of COVID-19 testing, perceived test accuracy, the meaning of a positive test result, willingness to adhere to restrictive m

SUBMITTER: Lecouturier J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7884253 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature