Barriers to adopting digital contact tracing for Covid‐19

Experiences in New Zealand

Bibliographic Data

ID19506594
AuthorsPhoebe Elers (0000-0001-7769-6024, Department of Public Health University of Otago Wellington New Zealand, corresponding author), Tepora Emery (0000-0001-6137-9577, Research Office Toi Ohomai NZIST Rotorua New Zealand), Sarah Derrett (0000-0003-2867-0498, Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit, Division of Health Sciences University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand), Tim Chambers (0000-0001-5856-5600, Department of Public Health University of Otago Wellington New Zealand)
Year2024
Volume27
Issue2
Pagese14013-e14013
Publication date2024-04-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Expectations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/hex.14013
PMID38493303
OpenAlexW4392894142
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited14

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

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak · Contact tracing · Data science · Geography · Internet privacy · MEDLINE · Pandemic · Political science · Computer Science · COVID-19 Digital Contact Tracing · COVID-19 epidemiological studies · Medicine · Psychology · Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation · Virology

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