Abstract
Purpose
Information on incentives for COVID-19 testing is needed to understand effective practices that encourage testing uptake. We describe characteristics of those who received an incentive after performing a rapid antigen test.
Design
Cross-sectional descriptive analysis of survey data.
Setting
During April 29–May 9, 2021, COVID-19 rapid antigen testing was offered in 2 Maryland cities.
Sample
Convenience sample of 553 adults (≥18 years) who tested and received an incentive; 93% consented to survey.
Measures
Survey questions assessed reasons for testing, testing history, barriers, and demographics.
Analysis
Robust Poisson regressions were used to determine characteristic differences based on testing history and between participants who would re-test in the future without an incentive vs participants who would not.
Results
The most common reasons for testing were the desire to be tested (n = 280; 54%) and convenience of location (n = 146; 28%). Those motivated by an incentive to test (n = 110; 21%) were 5.83 times as likely to state they would not test again without an incentive, compared to those with other reasons for testing (95% CI: 2.67-12.72, P < .001).
Critical Limitations
No comparative study group.
Conclusion
Results indicate internal motivation and convenience were prominent factors supporting testing uptake. Incentives may increase community testing participation, particularly among people who have never tested. Keywords COVID-19, pandemic, incentives, health behavior, community testing.
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