COVID-19 Antiviral Treatment: Examining Knowledge, Access, Trust in Sources of information and Willingness to Use Among Essential Workers

Le résumé fourni par la source

Objective: Despite evidence of effectiveness, oral antivirals for COVID-19 are underused, with significant variation across populations. This study examines COVID-19 treatment awareness, knowledge, access, trusted sources, and willingness to use among essential workers in Tennessee during February 21, 2023 – June 1, 2024. Methods: Participants enrolled in a prospective cohort study completed a questionnaire on demographics, medical history, and vaccination status. Follow-up surveys assessed COVID-19 antiviral treatment awareness, knowledge, access, trust, and willingness to receive. Responses are described for respondents with risk factors for severe COVID-19, overall and by subgroup. Multivariable log-binomial regression modeling was used to assess the relationship between demographic and health characteristics and key survey outcomes. Results: Of 1,289 respondents with risk factors for severe COVID-19, over 50% were aware of COVID-19 antivirals; 69% were willing to take antivirals if recommended by their healthcare provider. Adjusted models showed older respondents had higher awareness, knowledge, access and trust in doctors. Black non-Hispanic respondents, those with lower education, and those with fewer vaccinations were less likely to be aware of antivirals, answer knowledge questions correctly, or report willingness to use antivirals if recommended. Hispanic respondents reported less awareness, knowledge, and lower trust in doctors as a good source of information about COVID-19 antivirals. Conclusion: Although willingness to use COVID-19 antivirals was relatively high among essential workers with risk factors for severe COVID-19, there was variation based on demographic and health factors. This study identifies key gaps, providing a foundation for developing new approaches to improve access to antiviral treatments.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.