Low uptake of COVID-19 lateral flow testing among university students: a mixed methods evaluation

Objective

To evaluate COVID-19 lateral flow testing (LFT) among asymptomatic university students.

Study design

Mixed methods evaluation of LFT among University of Bristol students.

Methods

i) An analysis of testing uptake and exploration of demographic variations in uptake using logistic regression; ii) an online student survey about views on university testing; and iii) qualitative interviews to explore participants’ experiences of testing and subsequent behaviour, analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

12,391 LFTs were conducted on 8025/36,054 (22.3%) students. Only one in 10 students had the recommended two tests. There were striking demographic disparities in uptake with those from ethnic minority groups having lower uptake (e.g. 3% of Chinese students were tested vs. 30.7% of White students), and variations by level and year of study (ranging from 5.3% to 33.7%), place of residence (29.0% to 35.6%) and faculty (15.2% to 32.8%). Differences persisted in multivariable analyses.

A total of 436 students completed the online survey, and twenty in-depth interviews were conducted. Barriers to engagement with testing included a lack of awareness, knowledge and understanding, and concerns about the accuracy and safety. Students understood limitations of LFTs but requested further information about test accuracy. Tests were used to inform behavioural decisions, often in combination with other information, such as the potential for exposure to the virus and perceptions of vulnerability.

Conclusions

The low uptake of testing brings into question the role of mass LFT in university settings. Innovative strategies may be needed to increase LFT uptake among students.