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Acceptability and usability of COVID-19 antigen self-test in populations under socioeconomic vulnerability in Brazil: A cross-sectional study

Author

Listed:
  • Débora Castanheira
  • Laio Magno
  • Thais Aranha Rossi
  • Suelen Seixas
  • Fabiane Soares
  • Daniele Novaes
  • Ines Dourado
  • Valdilea G Veloso
  • Thiago S Torres

Abstract

Rapid diagnostic self-tests have emerged as effective tools for identifying and controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2. However, little is known about their acceptability and usability among populations under socioeconomic vulnerability globally. We aimed to evaluate the acceptability and usability of a COVID-19 antigen self-test among persons living in Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In this cross-sectional study (January–May 2023), participants used a COVID-19 antigen self-test in a simulated real-world setting, guided by an instructional video. Usability was assessed through two main outcomes: comprehension of instructions and proper execution of self-test (Poisson regression model); and accuracy in interpretation of self-test results (Cohen’s kappa). Acceptability was evaluated based on willingness to reuse the self-test, user experience, and recommendation to others. Among 437 participants, most were women (65.7%), self-identified as Black/Pardo (mixed-race) (81.5%), aged 35 + years (65.7%), had a household income ≤ USD 470 (70.0%) and had completed secondary education (46.2%). Despite some procedural difficulties, most participants obtained valid results (88.1%), higher in Salvador (95.2%) than in Rio de Janeiro (81.7%) (p

Suggested Citation

  • Débora Castanheira & Laio Magno & Thais Aranha Rossi & Suelen Seixas & Fabiane Soares & Daniele Novaes & Ines Dourado & Valdilea G Veloso & Thiago S Torres, 2026. "Acceptability and usability of COVID-19 antigen self-test in populations under socioeconomic vulnerability in Brazil: A cross-sectional study," PLOS Global Public Health, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(2), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pgph00:0005678
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0005678
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