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Usabilidade de autoteste de antígeno para COVID-19: fatores associados e desafios relatados
Isadora Silva de Carvalho1, Lariane Angel Cepas2, Talita Morais Fernandes2
1Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto. Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Objectives:
to assess the usability of a COVID-19 antigen self-test and identify factors associated with the perceived ease of use.
Methods:
cross-sectional study conducted in São Paulo (SP), Brazil, from June to July 2023, with 90 participants who used the self-test and completed a structured questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results:
only 33 participants (36.7%) reported high usability. Having an income above two minimum wages was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of rating the test as easy to use (ORa = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.15-5.67; p = 0.009). The main difficulties involved understanding the instructions (70%) and handling components such as the swab and buffer (45%).
Conclusions:
although promising for expanding access to diagnosis, the self-test faces barriers related to understanding and handling, especially among lower-income individuals. These findings reinforce the importance of clear instructions and technological adaptations tailored to users' profiles.
