1. Predictors of Willingness to Participate in COVID-19 Screening Testing from a Pilot School Survey in the United States.
- Author
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Mark-Carew M, Swanson M, Eller B, Cullen T, Valenzuela MO, LaBelle M, Persad N, Barrios LC, and Szucs LE
- Subjects
- Child, Humans, United States, Pandemics, Schools, COVID-19 Testing, Parents, COVID-19 diagnosis, COVID-19 epidemiology
- Abstract
Background: COVID-19 screening testing (ST) can detect asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic cases, allowing for prompt identification of cases and close contacts. This study examined parents' and school staffs' knowledge and attitudes toward to a pilot school-based ST program in a school district in southern Arizona., Methods: In May 2021, online surveys to parents and school staff were administered to examine attitudes toward ST and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unweighted percent estimates were calculated, and bivariate differences were examined by demographics. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests and logistic regression., Results: The survey had response rates of 10% (606/6085) and 22% (187/849) among parents and staff, respectively. Approximately one-third of responding parents (35%) would or already allow their child to participate in school-based ST, 37% would not participate; 28% were unsure. Among responding staff, 46% would or already participate in ST, 33% would not; 21% were unsure. The top concern (38%) among responding staff was taking job-related leave if testing positive., Conclusion: Schools work to balance the needs of students, families, and staff by implementing supportive and flexible policies and practices founded on buy-in and acceptance from their communities., (© 2023 American School Health Association. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.)
- Published
- 2023
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