Before the wave: Exploring early perspectives on COVID-19 self-testing among African Americans in Eastern North Carolina

These insights offer valuable guidance for improving emergency testing strategies and protocols in response to future viral outbreaks and pandemic threats. Clear, user-friendly instructions and video demonstrations can enhance the accessibility of self-testing kits. Moreover, addressing concerns related to cost and test accuracy is crucial for widespread adoption. Public health campaigns should prioritize affordability, user-friendliness, and community-specific needs to foster resilience and equity in healthcare responses.