SARS-CoV-2 self-testing in Peru: a cross-sectional survey of values and attitudes of the general population

ObjectivesTo assess the values of and attitudes towards the use of rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detection tests for self-testing in a rural and an urban area in Peru. DesignCross-sectional, street-based population survey. SettingA series of over 400 randomly selected street points in Valle del Mantaro and in Lima. Participants438 respondents (203 female) participated. They were all older than 17 years and provided informed consent for participation. InterventionAll respondents answered on the spot, a 35-item questionnaire developed in KoboToolbox. Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcomes of interest were: likelihood to use a SARS-CoV-2 self-test; willingness to pay for a SARS-CoV-2 self-test and likelihood to comply with recommended actions following a positive SARS-CoV-2 self-test result. Bivariate analyses and Poisson regression (PR) analyses were performed to identify significant associations between dependent variables and independent variables pertaining to respondents' characteristics, risk perception and previous experiences with conventional COVID-19 testing. ResultsOf the 438 respondents, 51.49% had previous experience with conventional COVID-19 testing; 20.37% had COVID-19 disease; 86.96% accepted the idea of SARS-CoV-2 self-testing; and, 78.95% would be likely to use it if needed. Almost all (94.75%) would pay for a self-testing device (mean acceptable payment: US$10.4) if it was not provided free of charge by health authorities. Overall, 93.12%, 86.93% and 85.32% would self-isolate, report the results and warn their contacts, respectively. Being a female (adjusted PR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.09, p<0.018), having completed secondary education (adjusted PR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.37, p<0.024) and expressing likelihood to use self-testing (adjusted PR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.16, p<0.0.24) could be predictors of willingness to pay for a self-test. ConclusionsSelf-testing is perceived as an acceptable approach. Health authorities in Peru should facilitate access to this approach to complement healthcare facilities-led testing efforts for COVID-19. Future research is necessary to understand the impact of self-testing in case detection and pandemic control.

Automated summary

This study assesses the values and attitudes towards the use of rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detection tests for self-testing in Peru. The results show that self-testing is perceived as an acceptable approach, with the majority of respondents willing to use it. Most respondents are also willing to pay for self-testing, and factors such as being female, having higher education, and expressing likelihood to use self-testing are predictors of willingness to pay. The study suggests that health authorities in Peru should facilitate access to self-testing to complement healthcare facilities-led testing efforts for COVID-19.