Acceptability of self-administered antigen test for COVID-19 in the Philippines

OBJECTIVES: In response to the Omicron surge in early 2022, the HTA Philippines evaluated the acceptability of Filipinos in using self-administered antigen tests (SAAgTs) as part of COVID-19 HTAs in the Philippines.

METHODS: Scoping review from literature databases was initially conducted to identify preset codes in the use of SAAgT. Preset codes were used to establish the questions for focus group discussions (FGDs). Semi-structured questionnaires were created through Delphi technique. FGDs with four stakeholder groups (i.e., nine healthcare workers [HCWs], seven representatives of at-risk groups, six economic frontliners, and seven representatives of micro-small-medium-sized enterprises) were conducted.

RESULTS: Discomfort in being a target of stigma and being prescribed an "illness identity" when suspected or confirmed COVID-19-positive, along with lack of confidence to perform self-test, caused hesitancy in self-testing among participants. The need for subsidies for test kits from the government or employers was emphasized to increase its accessibility. Having a designated access point and reporting system for SAAgT was highlighted to avoid nepotism (padrino system attributed to debt of gratitude), inequitable distribution, and lapses in reporting. A participatory approach to education was perceived as crucial to reduce any misconceptions associated with the use of SAAgT.

CONCLUSIONS: All FGD groups expressed favorable reviews on the implementation of SAAgT because it can potentially reduce the burden of health facility-administered tests. These findings were considered by the HTA Council in the recommendation of SAAgT as part of the overarching national strategies for the diagnosis and screening of COVID-19.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2024

Erschienen:

2024

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:40

Enthalten in:

International journal of technology assessment in health care - 40(2024), 1 vom: 17. Jan., Seite e10

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Yang, Jayne Eunice U [VerfasserIn]
Jackarain, Faisal H [VerfasserIn]
de Vergara, Tisha Isabelle M [VerfasserIn]
Santillan, Joshua F [VerfasserIn]
Reyes, Patrick Wincy C [VerfasserIn]
Arellano, Ma Cecilia Victoria B [VerfasserIn]
Garcia, Jainor Timothy U [VerfasserIn]
Samonte, Sheena Jasley G [VerfasserIn]
Marfori, Anne Julienne G [VerfasserIn]
Guerrero, Anna Melissa S [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Biomedical
COVID-19 serological testing
Health impact assessment
Journal Article
Self-administration
Self-testing
Technology assessment

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 15.02.2024

Date Revised 15.02.2024

published: Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1017/S0266462324000035

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM367209896