COVID‐19 testing decisions and behaviours in two Australian cities

ISSUE ADDRESSED: High levels of testing are crucial for minimising the spread of COVID‐19. The aim of this study is to investigate what prevents people from getting a COVID‐19 test when they are experiencing respiratory symptoms. METHODS: Semi‐structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 purposively sampled adults between 20 November 2020 and 3 March 2021 in two capital cities of Australia and analysed thematically. The analysis included people who reported having respiratory symptoms but who did not undergo a COVID‐19 test. RESULTS: Participants appraised risks of having COVID‐19, of infecting others or being infected whilst attending a testing site. They often weighed these appraisals against practical considerations of knowing where and how to get tested, inconvenience or financial loss. CONCLUSIONS: Clear public health messages communicating the importance of testing, even when symptoms are minor, may improve testing rates. Increasing the accessibility of testing centres, such as having them at transport hubs is important, as is providing adequate information about testing locations and queue lengths. SO WHAT? The findings of our study suggest that more needs to be done to encourage people to get tested for COVID‐19, especially when symptoms are minor. Clear communication about the importance of testing, along with easily accessible testing clinics, and financial support for those concerned about financial impacts may improve testing rates.