Home-Based Testing and COVID-19 Isolation Recommendations, United States

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated widespread testing and isolation protocols.
• Understanding adherence to isolation recommendations is crucial for controlling viral spread.
• The rise of at-home testing presents new challenges for public health compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate SARS-CoV-2 isolation behaviors based on COVID-19 test result administration.
• To compare isolation adherence between individuals receiving provider-administered versus home-based test results.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a nationally representative US panel survey data.
• Inclusion of participants with positive SARS-CoV-2 test results from January 2021 to March 2022.
• Statistical comparison of isolation recommendation adherence between groups based on testing method.

Main Results:

• Individuals with home-based SARS-CoV-2 test results showed significantly lower odds (29% reduction) of following isolation recommendations.
• The 95% confidence interval for this reduced odds was 5%-47%.

Conclusions:

• Home-based SARS-CoV-2 testing may be associated with decreased adherence to public health isolation guidelines.
• Strategies to improve isolation compliance among users of at-home tests are warranted.
• Further research should explore reasons for non-adherence and develop targeted interventions.