Thorpe L, Carter H, Robin C. Engagement with regular asymptomatic COVID-19 testing in young people in North West England: a qualitative focus group study.
BMJ Open 2023;
13:e069591. [PMID:
37369401 PMCID:
PMC10410809 DOI:
10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069591]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Communities in North West England had some of the highest incidence of COVID-19, particularly in their younger populations. Test kits were provided to young people in Blackburn with Darwen to encourage regular testing and reduce COVID-19 transmission. The aim of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators to engaging in regular asymptomatic testing in young people.
DESIGN
Focus groups.
SETTING
Young people and parents of school-aged children in North West England.
PARTICIPANTS
14 participants aged 12-15 years, 13 participants aged 16-25 years and 9 participants who were parents of school-aged children.
RESULTS
Six focus groups (36 participants) were conducted. Analysis identified young people were not against testing and many wanted to test to protect others; however, they felt their needs were not met when they were seeking information on the importance of testing and accessing tests. Young people also felt they wanted more autonomy to make decisions and access tests themselves, without having to rely on parents. Language barriers and challenges with the testing process, particularly reporting the results, were also identified as barriers for parents and young people. Parents were reluctant to test in the absence of symptoms and also noted that young people were very adaptable and testing became more acceptable to them as the pandemic progressed.
CONCLUSIONS
Tailored messaging for young people would help this group engage in regular testing and feel part of the COVID-19 response. Regular testing is not currently required in England, however, it is important to understand barriers to engaging in testing for young people, as testing may be reintroduced in response to this or future pandemics.
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