Clinical and Demographic Differences in the Willingness to Use Self-Administered At-Home Covid-19 Testing Measures among Persons with Opioid Use Disorder. Issue 1 (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mistler, Colleen B.; Sullivan, Matthew; Wickersham, Jeffrey A.; Copenhaver, Michael M.; Shrestha, Roman
• Is Part Of: Substance abuse. Volume 43:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 708
• Page End: 712
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- SARS-CoV-2 -- specimen collection -- test -- opioid use disorder -- health disparities; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Medical education -- Periodicals; Education, Medical -- periodicals; Substance Abuse -- periodicals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.2007511
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0889-7077

Abstract

Background : COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting disadvantaged populations, including persons with opioid use disorder (OUD). Persons with OUD are at greater risk for direct (e.g., COVID-19 diagnosis, severe symptoms) and indirect consequences (relapse, overdose) of COVID-19. Given stay at home orders, at-home testing options may serve as a viable tool to curb the increase in COVID-19 transmission and adverse effects of COVID-19. Methods: From May to September 2020, we surveyed 110 persons in treatment for OUD about their willingness to use various self-administered at-home COVID-19 testing measures. Participants were stratified by age, gender, and racial-ethnic identity to observe differences in willingness to use COVID-19 tests. The three COVID-19 tests included a throat swab sample, a saliva-based sample, and a blood prick test. Results: A high willingness to use at-home COVID-19 tests was observed in patients in treatment for OUD. A greater proportion of females were willing to use a saliva-based test; greater proportions of White participants were willing to use a saliva based COVID-19 test compared to racial-ethnic minorities. Older aged participants (≥45 years old) reported greater rates of willingness to use a self-administered at home blood prick test for COVID-19. Conclusions: At-home testing measures for COVID-19 appear highly acceptable among people with OUD.