Testing A Benign Multi-Modal Bilingual Intervention To Increase Self-Efficacy, Intentions, And Willingness To Administer A COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test In A Predominately Hispanic Sample

Introduction. Testing is one of the most effective methods for reducing the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 antigen tests can detect proteins from the COVID-19 virus called antigens and produce results within minutes, making them suitable for at-home use. Several factors have been identified as barriers to self-administering a COVID-19 antigen test, including the language of the testing instructions, the cost of testing, and access to tests. Interventions to reduce barriers to self-administering COVID-19 rapid tests are warranted to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The purpose of the present study is to test the impact of a benign multi-modal bilingual intervention on self-efficacy, intentions, and willingness to administer a COVID-19 antigen rapid test in a predominantly Hispanic sample. Methods. A benign multi-modal (written, audio, video) bilingual intervention was created and evaluated. Participants (N=150) were randomly assigned to receive the standard iHealth® instructions that typically accompany the COVID-19 rapid test or the translated instructions available in English and Spanish, as well as audio-visual video instructions. The primary outcome measure was self-efficacy, intentions, and willingness to administer a COVID-19 rapid antigen test. Results. Results indicated that individuals who received the bilingual instructions along with the audio-visual video had an increase in intentions and willingness to test for COVID-19. Self-efficacy to administer the COVID-19 test was improved, but not statistically significant. Conclusion. Overall, the result of this study indicates that bilingual written and audio-visual video instructions are beneficial and have a positive impact on improving self-efficacy, willingness, and intentions to administer a COVID-19 test.