The more the merrier! Barriers and facilitators to the general public's use of a COVID-19 contact tracing app in New Zealand

Contact tracing for infectious diseases can be partially automated using mobile applications. However, the success of these tools is dependent on significant uptake and frequent use by the public. This study explored the barriers and facilitators to the New Zealand (NZ) general public's use of the COVID-19 contact NZ COVID Tracer app. Adults (>= 18 years, N = 373) in NZ. Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from a nation-wide online survey. App use and frequency of use were presented as descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. 31% reported using the app frequently, 24% used it sometimes, 21% had installed but not used it, and 24% had not installed it. Barriers to use include technical issues, privacy and security concerns, forgetfulness and a lack of support from businesses. The perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, government recommendations and communications, and the importance of contact tracing facilitated use. Technical, user, business, and government factors influenced the public's use of a COVID-19 contact tracing app. The development of apps requiring minimal user effort and initial user testing may improve uptake. Enabling environments and better risk communication may improve uptake of similar community-driven contact tracing apps during future pandemics.

Automated summary

A study in New Zealand explored the barriers and facilitators of public use of the COVID-19 contact tracing app, finding that technical issues, privacy concerns, forgetfulness, and lack of business support were major barriers, while perceived risk of infection, government recommendations, and the importance of contact tracing were significant facilitators.