Abstract
BACKGROUND
Digital contact tracing apps have been proposed as a method of controlling the spread of Covid-19. The effectiveness of this tool depends largely on adequate levels of uptake (e.g. whether the user downloads and registers on the application) and engagement (e.g. the extent of usage of the application or its components over time). It has been estimated that approximately 60% of the population would need to use the NHSX application in order for it to be effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19. It is therefore crucial that we understand the level of, and factors influencing, uptake and engagement with digital tracing applications in order to put appropriate measures in place to mitigate those issues.
AIMS
1. To quantify the current data on COVID-19 digital contact tracing applications
a. Uptake and engagement of COVID-19 digital contact tracing applications
b. Examine whether uptake differs between countries
c. Identify any predictors or correlates of uptake and engagement
2. To conduct two scoping reviews to identify key barriers and facilitators influencing engagement and uptake of
a. COVID-19 digital contact tracing applications
b. Health behaviour change applications, including government approved applications, from academic literature and behaviour change guidelines
CONCLUSIONS
• There is no evidence on the level of uptake and engagement with COVID-19 digital contact tracing applications.
• There is a dearth of evidence regarding the barriers and facilitators to uptake and engagement with COVID-19 digital contact tracing applications.
• The health behaviour change literature suggests a number of barriers and facilitators associated with uptake and engagement with applications.
Digital contact tracing apps have been proposed as a method of controlling the spread of Covid-19. The effectiveness of this tool depends largely on adequate levels of uptake (e.g. whether the user downloads and registers on the application) and engagement (e.g. the extent of usage of the application or its components over time). It has been estimated that approximately 60% of the population would need to use the NHSX application in order for it to be effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19. It is therefore crucial that we understand the level of, and factors influencing, uptake and engagement with digital tracing applications in order to put appropriate measures in place to mitigate those issues.
AIMS
1. To quantify the current data on COVID-19 digital contact tracing applications
a. Uptake and engagement of COVID-19 digital contact tracing applications
b. Examine whether uptake differs between countries
c. Identify any predictors or correlates of uptake and engagement
2. To conduct two scoping reviews to identify key barriers and facilitators influencing engagement and uptake of
a. COVID-19 digital contact tracing applications
b. Health behaviour change applications, including government approved applications, from academic literature and behaviour change guidelines
CONCLUSIONS
• There is no evidence on the level of uptake and engagement with COVID-19 digital contact tracing applications.
• There is a dearth of evidence regarding the barriers and facilitators to uptake and engagement with COVID-19 digital contact tracing applications.
• The health behaviour change literature suggests a number of barriers and facilitators associated with uptake and engagement with applications.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | PsyArXiv PrePrints |
| Early online date | 30 Apr 2020 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Apr 2020 |