"Uptake, Acceptability, and Results of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Diagnos" by Tatiana K. Djikeussi, Boris Kevin Tchounga et al.
 

Uptake, Acceptability, and Results of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Testing in Community Settings in Cameroon

Tatiana K. Djikeussi, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Boris Kevin Tchounga, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Loic Feuzeu, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Rogacien Kana, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Boris Tchakounte Youngui, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Shannon Viana, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Heather J. Hoffman, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Albert Mambo, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Charlotte Moussi, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Joseph Fokam, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Emilienne Epée, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Anne Hoppe, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Pallavi Dani, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Patrice Tchendjou, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Laura Guay, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.
Michelle M. Gill, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, District of Columbia.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-15-2024

Journal

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene

DOI

10.4269/ajtmh.23-0802

Abstract

Mass gathering event restrictions were part of mitigation measures during the COVID-19 pandemic that were lifted as prevalence decreased and after vaccination rollout. We explored SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid diagnostic test acceptability and positivity in community settings in Cameroon. In August-October 2022, community workers sensitized and referred individuals for COVID-19 testing to nearby testing points in Douala and Yaoundé. Participants consented to SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid diagnostic testing, a survey, or both components. We describe the positivity rate, COVID-19-related history, and Likert-scale testing perceptions. Factors associated with testing acceptance were analyzed using logistic regression. Overall, 20.5% (2,449/11,945) of sensitized individuals visited testing points, and 1,864 (76.1%) were enrolled; 50.6% accepted the survey and testing (46.0% accepted survey only). Seven (0.7%) of 1,006 individuals tested positive. Most (71.8%; 1,292/1,800) considered community testing more accessible than hospital-based testing. Individuals accepting versus refusing testing differed in perceived COVID-19 risk (67%, 49%; P <0.001), belief in accurate test results (79%, 47%; P <0.001), and ability to test easily (96%, 55%; P <0.001). Males (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.26 [1.04-1.53]) and those over 50 years (aOR: 1.9 [1.4-2.7]), with symptoms (aOR: 1.80 [1.30-2.50]), and at least partial vaccination (aOR: 0.76 [0.58-0.99]) were significantly associated with test acceptance. Refusal reasons included lack of perceived need for testing (33.8%) and testing discomfort (26.3%). Although community-based testing was generally perceived as important, actual testing uptake was low. In future pandemics, community testing should be optimized by addressing misinformation, offering alternative testing modalities for greater comfort, creating demand, and tailoring approaches to maximize testing uptake.

Department

Biostatistics and Bioinformatics

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