data covid testing SK
Description
Behaviour and social attitudes during COVID-19 mass testing (Slovakia). Testing as such is considered a key contribution to the successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic, differing only in its form, organization and regime. The social and behavioural responses to mass asymptomatic testing in the population are not fully understood. The purpose of the presented research was to examine the perception of COVID-19 testing in the Slovak population. The research sample consisted of 806 respondents and data collection of data took place in February 2021. The main findings include significant differences in perceptions between the first and the last participation in testing in terms of gender, age, testing experience, and time aspect. Simultaneously, the last participation in testing showed lower rates of positive aspects related to the internal motivation to test compared to the first participation. In contrast, external stimulation by government regulations related to restrictions in the absence of a negative result was higher in the last participation in testing. There were also differences between the first and the last test in the level of doubts about the accuracy of the test result, while a higher level was found at the last testing participation. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the frequency of testing and its requirements need to be approached very carefully over time, as it is likely that the perception of the population may deteriorate. The major recommendations include clear and timely government communication, trust building and health education. People should understand the need and importance of testing in order to improve the situation and help society, but this is not possible without clear information and a meaningful regime from public leaders. Otherwise, negative feelings and doubts over time may dominate the perception of the entire population, posing a risk of outbreaks.