Access to and utilisation of COVID-19 antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) among the general population in Phnom Penh: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

Globally, there is a lack of evidence regarding access to and utilisation of antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs). This might hinder public health interventions to increase testing. We conducted a survey to understand access to and utilisation of COVID-19 Ag-RDT among residents in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

DESIGN

This is a representative household survey using linear regression models with random effects to account for clustering and a logistic model with random effects to assess factors associated with Ag-RDT access.

SETTING

We conducted the study in 10 villages in Phnom Penh between August and mid-September 2022.

PARTICIPANTS

We enrolled one member per household (n=280), aged between 18 and 65 years.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Both access and utilisation were defined at the individual level (self-reports). We defined access as having undergone COVID-19 rapid testing within 6 months and utilisation as having administered this test (to themselves or others) within 12 months, prior to the study interview.

RESULTS

In a clustering-adjusted linear model, access to Ag-RDTs among the general population from the 10 villages was 34% (n=95) and utilisation was 28% (n=77). Price and advice from the pharmacist were commonly reported to be the main selection criteria for Ag-RDTs, with 41% (n=111) and 62% (n=175), respectively. In the logistic model, those with higher educational attainment were more likely to have access to the Ag-RDT compared with those with lower education levels (adjusted OR4.42, 95% CI 1.82 to 10.74).

CONCLUSIONS

Unfamiliarity with Ag-RDT tests and low education levels negatively affect access and utilisation of Ag-RDTs among the general population in Phnom Penh.