Testing delay in an environment of low COVID-19 prevalence: A qualitative study of testing behaviour amongst symptomatic South Australians.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

South Australia has to date (October 2021) been highly successful in maintaining an aggressive suppression strategy for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, continued success of this strategy is dependent on ongoing testing by people with symptoms of COVID-19 to identify, trace and quarantine emergent cases as soon as possible. This study sought to explore community members' decisions about having COVID-19 testing in an environment of low prevalence, specifically exploring their decision-making related to symptoms.

Materials and methods

This study drew on a qualitative case study design, involving five focus groups, conducted in May 2021, with 29 individuals who had experienced COVID-19-like symptoms since the commencement of testing in South Austra

SUBMITTER: Tonkin E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9098655 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature