Belief of Previous COVID-19 Infection and Unclear Government Policy are Associated with Reduced Willingness to Participate in App-Based Contact Tracing: A UK-Wide Observational Study of 13,000 Patients

• DOI: 10.1101/2020.06.03.20120337
• Publication Date: 2020-06-07T06:45:11Z
• Authors: Patrik Bachtiger; Alexander Adamson; Jennifer K Quint; Nicholas S Peters
• Keywords: Contact tracing

ABSTRACT Background Contact tracing and lockdown are health policies being used worldwide to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19). While easing lockdown, UK National Health Service (NHS) launched its Track Trace at end of May 2020, aims by June 2020 also include app-based notification advice self-isolate for those who have been in contact with a person known COVID-19. To be successful, such an app will require high uptake, determinants willingness which unclear but essential understand effective public benefit. Objectives measure participate NHS programme using questionnaire within Care Information Exchange (CIE) - largest patient-facing electronic record NHS. Methods Observational study 47,708 registered users CIE, 27% whom completed novel asking about tracing, understanding government advice, mental physical wellbeing their healthcare utilisation -- related or not Descriptive statistics reported alongside univariate multivariable logistic regression models, positive negative responses question on as dependent variable. Results 26.1% all CIE participants were included analysis (N = 12,434, 43.0% male, mean age 55.2). 60.3% respondents willing tracing. Out responded ‘no’, 67.2% stated that this was due privacy concerns. In analysis, worsening mood, fear anxiety relation changes rules around associated lower participate. Multivariable showed difficulty decreased inclination download app, scoring 1-2 3-4 new 45% less inclined respectively; when compared rated 5-6/10 (OR 1-2/10 0.57 [CI 0.48 0.67]; OR 3-4/10 0.744 0.64 0.87]), whereas scores 7-8 9-10 43% 31% respective increase. Those reporting unconfirmed belief having previously had recovered from COVID-19 likely app; previous recovery infection 0.727 [0.585 0.908]). Conclusions large UK-wide is 60% close estimated 56% population substantially than smartphone-user uptake considered necessary contact-tracing intervention help suppress epidemic. Given marginal level support over appropriate range, impacts comprehending policy testing confirm self-reported during indicate uncertainty communication diagnosis adopted negatively impact effectiveness app.