The Impact of Community-Based Testing Sites and Gift Incentives on COVID-19 Testing Uptake in Maryland, April 29 - May 9, 2021.

Abstract

PurposeInformation on incentives for COVID-19 testing is needed to understand effective practices that encourage testing uptake. We describe characteristics of those who received an incentive after performing a rapid antigen test.DesignCross-sectional descriptive analysis of survey data.SettingDuring April 29–May 9, 2021, COVID-19 rapid antigen testing was offered in 2 Maryland cities.SampleConvenience sample of 553 adults (≥18 years) who tested and received an incentive; 93% consented to survey.MeasuresSurvey questions assessed reasons for testing, testing history, barriers, and demographics.AnalysisRobust Poisson regressions were used to determine characteristic differences based on testing history and between participants who would re-test in the future without an incentive vs participants who would not.ResultsThe most common reasons for testing were the desire to be tested (n = 280; 54%) and convenience of location (n = 146; 28%). Those motivated by an incentive to test (n = 110; 21%) were 5.83 times as likely to state they would not test again without an incentive, compared to those with other reasons for testing (95% CI: 2.67-12.72, P < .001).Critical LimitationsNo comparative study group.ConclusionResults indicate internal motivation and convenience were prominent factors supporting testing uptake. Incentives may increase community testing participation, particularly among people who have never tested. Keywords COVID-19, pandemic, incentives, health behavior, community testing.