Barriers to adopting digital contact tracing for COVID-19: Experiences in New Zealand
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Date
2024-04-01
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Rights
(c) 2024 The Author/s
CC BY 4.0
CC BY 4.0
Abstract
Background
Digital contact tracing (DCT) was a central component of the global response to containing COVID-19. Research has raised concerns that DCT could exacerbate inequities, yet the experiences of diverse communities at greater risk from COVID-19 are typically underrepresented.
Methods
The present study aimed to understand the perceived barriers to the adoption of the app amongst Māori, Pasifika, and disabled people. Focus groups and interviews were undertaken with Māori, Pasifika, and disability sector stakeholders and community participants.
Results
Participants (n = 34) generally expressed willingness to utilise DCT and support its adoption within the communities. Simultaneously, participants revealed how the app could marginalise community members who struggled with the usability and those distrusting of the government's COVID-19 interventions.
Conclusions
The findings highlight how addressing communication inequality can assist in the development of contact-tracing responses that are both effective and equitable. The study provides insights about the role of information and communication technologies as health resources.
Patient or Public Contribution
Consulting with members of the target communities was central throughout the present study, including recommendations for potential participants, participation in interviews and sharing early findings for feedback. This study reports on focus groups and interviews with individuals from Māori and disability sectors.
Description
Keywords
COVID-19, NZ COVID Tracer app, communication inequality, digital contact tracing, Humans, Communication, Contact Tracing, COVID-19, Maori People, New Zealand, Pacific Island People
Citation
Elers P, Emery T, Derrett S, Chambers T. (2024). Barriers to adopting digital contact tracing for COVID-19: Experiences in New Zealand.. Health Expect. 27. 2. (pp. e14013-).