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Evaluation of Covid-19 Ag-RDTs self-testing in Lesotho and Zambia

Article scientifique 2022 Anglais

Résumé

Abstract Background The use of antigen rapid tests (Ag-RDTs) for self-testing is an important element of the COVID-19 control strategy and has been widely supported. However, scale-up of self-testing for COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa is still insufficient and there is limited evidence on the acceptability of self-testing and agreement between Ag-RDT self-testing and Ag-RDT testing by professional users. A joint collaboration (BRCCH-EDCTP COVID-19 Initiative) was established between Lesotho and Zambia to address these gaps in relation to Ag-RDT self-testing and contribute to increasing its use in the region. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Firstly, 11 in-depth cognitive interviews (5 in Zambia and 9 in Lesotho) were performed to assess the participants’ understanding of the instructions for use (IFU) for self-testing. In a second step, evaluation of test agreement between Ag-RDT self-testing and Ag-RDT testing by professional user using SD Biosensor STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag-RDT was performed. In Zambia, usability and acceptability of self-testing were also assessed. Results Cognitive interviews in Lesotho and Zambia showed overall good understanding of IFU. In Zambia, acceptability of self-testing was high, though some participants had difficulties in conducting certain steps in the IFU correctly. Agreement between Ag-RDT self-test and Ag-RDT by professional users in Lesotho (428 participants) and Zambia (1136 participants) was high, 97.6% (404/414, 95% CI: 95.6-99.8) and 99.8% (1116/1118, 95% CI: 99.4-100) respectively. Conclusion Findings from this study support the use of Ag-RDT self-testing within COVID-19 control strategies in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to increase the testing capacity and access in hard-to reach settings.

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Bresser, M., Erhardt, R., Shanaube, K., Simwinga, M., Mahlatsi, P., Belus, J., Schaap, A., Amstutz, A., Gachie, T., Glass, T., Kangolo, B., ‘Mota, M., Floyd, S., Katende, B., Klinkenberg, E., Ayles, H., Reither, K., Ruperez, M. (2022). Evaluation of Covid-19 Ag-RDTs self-testing in Lesotho and Zambia. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.12.21.22283827

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Auteur(s)

Moniek Bresser Rahel Milena Erhardt Kwame Shanaube Musonda Simwinga Palesa Mahlatsi Jennifer M. Belus Ab Schaap Alain Amstutz Thomas Gachie Tracy R. Glass B. Kangolo M.J. ‘Mota Sian Floyd Bulemba Katende Eveline Klinkenberg Helen Ayles Klaus Reither M. Ruperez

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