Isadora Silva de Carvalho, Lariane Angel Cepas, Talita Morais Fernandes, Carlos Arterio Sorgi, Ana Flávia Nacif Pinto Coelho Pires, Álvaro Francisco Lopes de Sousa, Isabella Silva de Carvalho, Ana Paula Morais Fernandes
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.
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.