Usabilidade de autoteste de antígeno para COVID-19: fatores associados e desafios relatados.

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.