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. 2023 Jun:3:100244.
doi: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2023.100244. Epub 2023 Mar 3.

Experiences with COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing: A qualitative analysis

Nickolas DeLuca  1 , Elise Caruso  1 , Reena Gupta  2 , Charlene Kemmerer  2 , Rebecca Coughlin  2 , Olivia Chan  2 , Divya Vohra  2 , John E Oeltmann  1 , Melanie M Taylor  1 , Patrick K Moonan  1 , Phoebe G Thorpe  1 , Penny S Loosier  1 ; CDC COVID-19 Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Task Force; Geraldine Haile  2
Collaborators, Affiliations

Experiences with COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing: A qualitative analysis

Nickolas DeLuca et al. SSM Qual Res Health. 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Case investigation and contact tracing (CI/CT) is a critical part of the public health response to COVID-19. Individuals' experiences with CI/CT for COVID-19 varied based on geographic location, changes in knowledge and guidelines, access to testing and vaccination, as well as demographic characteristics including age, race, ethnicity, income, and political ideology. In this paper, we explore the experiences and behaviors of adults with positive SARS-CoV-2 test results, or who were exposed to a person with COVID-19, to understand their knowledge, motivations, and facilitators and barriers to their actions. We conducted focus groups and one-on-one interviews with 94 cases and 90 contacts from across the United States. We found that participants were concerned about infecting or exposing others, which motivated them to isolate or quarantine, notify contacts, and get tested. Although most cases and contacts were not contacted by CI/CT professionals, those who were reported a positive experience and received helpful information. Many cases and contacts reported seeking information from family, friends, health care providers, as well as television news and Internet sources. Although participants reported similar perspectives and experiences across demographic characteristics, some highlighted inequities in receiving COVID-19 information and resources.

Keywords: COVID-19; Case investigation; Contact tracing; Health equity; Isolation; Quarantine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

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