imprint:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2021
Published in:Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1073/pnas.2107179118
ISSN:
0027-8424;
1091-6490
Origination:
Footnote:
Description:
<jats:title>Significance</jats:title>
<jats:p>Rapid testing with antigen tests accompanies efforts for controlling the disease dynamics in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. A high willingness to carry out these tests and high test literacy of potential users are needed. In four cross-sectional data collections with more than 4,000 participants, we showed that incentives can increase the willingness to undertake a test, while mandatory reporting was not perceived as a major barrier. However, participants had difficulties correctly interpreting test results. A short health communication intervention effectively reduced complacent behavior after negative test results. In sum, rapid tests have great potential to help fight the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic but only when effective health communication enables people to test and act appropriately.</jats:p>