Perceived Barriers to Covid Testing

Abstract

Objective: To determine the perception of medical students regarding the barrier toward Covid testing.
Method: It was a cross-sectional study enrolling 428 medical students (1st - 4th-year MBBS) through  convenient sampling. After formal IRB approval, data was collected through google forms through  WhatsApp groups from willing students. The data was compiled and analyzed by using SPSS software 26.  The Chi-square test was applied to determine the relationship between the variables by keeping the study
power at 80%.
Results: Out of 428 respondents, 301(70.3%) were females. The mean age of the participants was 21+3years.  Out of all the participants, 127(29.7%) had a suspicion of covid, while 237(55.4%) had flu-like symptoms,  and 122(28.5%) got themselves tested. Painful experience100(35%),37(13%) fear of side effects,207(72%)lack of guidance,135(47%)limited access, and 170(59%) cost were significant barriers  toward covid testing. More than 50% agreed that social media's role was ineffective in spreading correct
information.
Conclusion: The fear of getting a positive result, painful experience, side effects, cost, lack of awareness and  access to the covid testing facility, fear of contracting the disease, lack of motivation, and poor role of social  media in spreading awareness of covid testing were the significant barriers towards covid testing.

How to cite: Ahmed H, Aqeel F, Akhter J, Ashraf F, Rehman I, Ashraf HB. Perceived Barriers to Covid Testing. Esculapio - JSIMS
2022;18(03):376-380