Osong Public Health Res Perspect.  2022 Jun;13(3):212-220. 10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0062.

Voluntary testing for COVID-19: perceptions and utilization among the inhabitants of Saudi Arabia

• Abo-Ali EA
• Mousa A
• Hussien R
• Mousa S
• Al-Rubaki S
• Omar M
• Al-Haffashi B
• Almilaibary A

• KMID: 2530871
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0062

Abstract

Objectives
Voluntary testing (VT) plays a crucial role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. The present study investigated the perceptions and utilization of VT services for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among the inhabitants of Saudi Arabia.
Methods
In total, 3,510 adult participants from all provinces of Saudi Arabia were recruited via a national online survey.
Results
Of the 3,510 participants, 88.9% were aware of the testing services available to them and of those, more than half (59.5%) had used the VT services and 96.1% were satisfied with the services. Contact with a positive COVID-19 case was the top reason for accessing VT, while a lack of awareness about the availability of VT services was the top perceived limiting factor. A history of chronic health conditions, anxiety and/or depression, and previous symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 were found to be predictors of the utilization of VT services (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.22−1.96; OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.16−1.88; OR 3.31, 95% CI 2.77−3.95; and OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.34−1.96; respectively), respectively.
Conclusion
The awareness of voluntary COVID-19 testing services was satisfactory among the Saudi Arabian population, but can be improved. Sociodemographic and health history predictors of the utilization of VT services were identified.

Keyword

Awareness; COVID-19; Perception; Polymerase chain reaction; Saudi Arabia