Predictors of Willingness to Participate in COVID‐19 Screening Testing from a Pilot School Survey in the United States

Abstract

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDCOVID‐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.METHODSIn 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.RESULTSThe 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.CONCLUSIONSchools 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