Identifying potential factors associated with PCR testing for COVID-19 among Australian young people: cross-sectional findings from a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND: Testing has played a crucial role in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Though COVID-19 symptoms tend to be less severe in adolescents and young adults, their highly social lifestyles can lead to increased transmission of the virus. In this study, we aimed to provide population-based estimates of polymerase chain reaction testing (PCR) for the COVID-19 pandemic and identify factors associated with PCR testing in Australian youth using the latest survey data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). METHODS: We used the latest wave (9C1) of the LSAC, collected from 16 to 21-year-old Australians via an online survey between October and December 2020. In total, 2291 youths responded to the questions about COVID-19 testing including factors related to the coronavirus restriction period (CRP) in Australia. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables (sociodemographic factors and factors related to CRP) associated with COVID-19 testing. RESULTS: During the study period, 26% (n = 587) of Australian youth aged between 16 and 21 years were tested for COVID-19. The strongest predictor of COVID-19 testing was living in major cities (aOR 1.82, 95% CI:1.34–2.45; p < 0.01). Increased age (aOR 1.97, 1.00–3.89; p < 0.05) and having a pre-existing medical condition (aOR 1.27, 1.02–1.59; p < 0.05) were also significantly associated with a higher likelihood of COVID-19 testing. CONCLUSION: Age, remoteness and having a pre-existing medical illness were associated with PCR COVID-19 testing among Australian youth aged between 16 and 21 years in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. More research is warranted to identify factors associated with other COVID-19 testing methods and address the specific barriers that may limit COVID-19 testing in this age group. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14892-1.