JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In the global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), new digital solutions have been developed for infection control. In particular, contact tracing mobile applications provide a means for governments to manage both health and economic concerns. However, public reception of these applications is paramount to success, and global take-up rates have been low.

Objective:

In this study, we sought to identify sociodemographic factors predicting voluntary downloads of a contact tracing mobile application.

Methods:

A sample of 505 adults from the general community completed an online survey. As the primary outcome measure, participants indicated whether they had downloaded a contact tracing application introduced at the national level (“TraceTogether”). As predictor variables, we assessed: (1) participant demographics; (2) behavioral changes on account of the pandemic; and (3) pandemic severity (the number of cases and lockdown status).

Results:

Within our dataset, the strongest predictor of digital contact tracing take-up was the extent to which individuals had already adjusted their lifestyles because of the pandemic (Z = 13.97, p < .001). Network analyses revealed that take-up was most related to: using hand sanitizers, avoiding public transport, and preferring outdoor over indoor venues during the pandemic. However, demographic and situational characteristics did not significantly predict application downloads.

Conclusions:

Efforts to introduce contact tracing applications could capitalize on pandemic-related behavioral adjustments that individuals have made. Given that critical mass is needed for contact tracing to be effective, we urge further research to understand how citizens respond to contact tracing applications. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04468581