Bilingual digital health intervention to improve COVID-19 self-testing intentions among Hispanic adults

Testing remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 rapid antigen tests are well-suited for at-home use; however, several barriers, including language, hinder the widespread adoption of self-testing. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the impact of a bilingual digital health intervention on self-efficacy, intentions, and willingness to self-administer a COVID-19 antigen rapid test.

Participants (N = 150) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions: (1) an intervention group who received the bilingual digital health intervention, or (2) a control group who received the standard iHealth® instructions typically included with COVID-19 antigen rapid test kits.

Participants in the bilingual digital health intervention reported significantly higher intentions to self-test for COVID-19 (M = 4.26 vs. 3.82), t(143) = -2.37, p = 0.019, and greater willingness to test themselves (M = 4.25 vs. 3.89), t(142) = -1.99, p = 0.047.

Our findings suggest that the bilingual digital health intervention may have a positive impact on enhancing intentions and willingness to self-administer a COVID-19 antigen rapid test. These findings highlight the potential of culturally and linguistically tailored digital health interventions to reduce barriers and promote access to at-home COVID-19 testing in Hispanic communities. Notably, to help alleviate cost barriers associated with purchasing COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits, the research team collaborated with a highly qualified team of Community Health Workers (CHWs) to disseminate approximately 4,500 free COVID-19 test kits throughout the community.