Determining the effects of communication interventions in promoting digital contact tracing application use during COVID-19 - a longitudinal study

Abstract

[eng] The unprecedented global strain of COVID-19 on healthcare systems has presented the necessity for innovative ways to control the pandemic, one example being digital contact tracing (DCT) apps. Using Bluetooth signals between mobile devices to detect high risk face-to-face interactions and notifications to alert users of possible infection, these apps have massive potential to aid in neutralizing virus propagation, subsequently helping reduce costly lockdown measures. However, their efficacy relies heavily on mass adoption and consistent use, both of which are hindered by specific barriers; Most notably, privacy, trust in government, low perceived threat of COVID-19, and technical capabilities (selfefficacy). So far, entities responsible for DCT app promotion have failed to adequately focus on these public concerns in attempting to increase app use. Furthermore, little published research exists on exploring the potential of publicly addressing these specific barriers through communication campaigns to increase uptake, adherence, and attitudes/support of DCT apps in the context of COVID-19. This study aims to determine if educational intervention focused on the above barriers correlates to higher uptake, adherence, and attitudes/support of the DCT app RadarCovid among citizens of the Balearic Islands. Focusing on the official Spanish app, RadarCovid, five different communication campaigns (four experimental groups each exposed to an intervention involving a combination of the topidentified barriers above, and one control group exposed to the currently used campaign) will be administered at six different time points. Download percentage, adherence, and attitude/support scores will be measured at these points. Odds Ratios and Dunnett’s Tests will be used to analyze the resulting change between these variables, and conclusions will be drawn on which treatment group(s) showed significant change in measured variables, and which invention had the greatest effect on these variables. Possible limitations, implications for practical use, ethical considerations, and recommendations are also discussed.