Table 2.
Analytical framework for developing themes for participant perceptions and experiences of COVID-19 symptoms and testing.
| Theme 1: Factors affecting symptom attribution | ||
|---|---|---|
| Subtheme | Definition | Example Quotes |
| Knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms | Spontaneous and then prompted discussion about three main COVID-19 symptoms. Also includes details of experience of other people and potential ‘other' symptoms of COVID-19. | “If an individual has a cough, coupled with things like a fever…a cough generally has to be repetitive. A one-off cough isn't sufficient…also a loss of taste or smell.” Participant 149, Student |
| Confidence identifying symptoms of COVID-19 | Discussion about confidence identifying symptoms of any illness and the challenges that COVID-19 symptom detection poses, particularly differentiating from symptoms of other illness. | “I feel like there's a lot of crossover, I think the loss of taste and smell, that's quite distinct to Covid, but not everyone gets that. I think the cough and fever are more common, but you could experience that with a cold or flu.” Participant 111, General Population |
| Factors affecting attribution of symptoms to COVID-19 | Discussion about factors that would influence the attribution of symptoms to COVID-19. These were: perceived likelihood of contracting COVID-19 overall, symptom severity, amount and length, perceived exposure risk and engagement with mitigation strategies. | “I think if I know that I haven't been in contact with anyone, I would think that it's probably just me being run down or tired. I wouldn't think it would be Covid if I wasn't in contact.” Participant 101, General Population |
| Theme 2: Factors affecting test uptake | ||
| Knowledge of test eligibility and access | Participants' existing knowledge about who can or should request a test and how to access testing services. | “As far as I'm aware, pretty much anyone is eligible if they have symptoms or if they have close contact with someone who has symptoms. I'm not sure about the latter part.” Participant 105, General Population |
| Drivers to seeking a test | Discussion about the reasons people have sought, or would seek, a test. These were: reassurance, a requirement for work or travel, the presence of symptoms. | “I would only do it if the temperature was high and I had a continuous cough as well and I'd been out with my friends. If I had the symptoms then I would go and get tested, just to make sure that I was safe.” Participant 146, Student |
| Barriers to engaging in testing | Discussion about the factors that would discourage people from seeking testing. These were: concerns about safety of testing sites, discomfort of testing, concerns about test accuracy, stigma. | “I was a little bit worried about what people might think if I'd caught it, like, what have you been doing to put yourself at risk? Have you not been following the guidelines?” Participant 109, General Population |
| Experience of testing | Participant experiences of accessing and completing a COVID-19 test, as well as perceptions and experiences of NHSTT. | “Every time I've been I think it's been a really efficient process, it's been really well-structured, there's a lot of instructions from the people that work there. It does feel really safe when you're there.” Participant 155, Student |
| Theme 3: Impact of testing on daily life and behavior | ||
| Experience of self-isolating | Discussion about the impact on daily life and behavior while waiting for a test result, including perceptions and experiences of self-isolating. | “I hate just having to stay inside. It's a bit overwhelming at times, but at least I get on with everyone in my house. One of our friends would drop off our shopping and that was fine.” Participant 148, Student |
| Perceptions about adherence of others to guidance | Participant thoughts about whether others are following COVID-19 guidance and frustrations about those perceived to be flouting the rules. | “It's being completely irresponsible on other people's health. Potentially someone can die if you don't self-isolate, so as hard as it is, it's my responsibility, it's everyone's responsibility to make sure that everyone is safe.” Participant 103, General Population |
| Barriers and facilitators of mass asymptomatic testing* | Discussion from students about the testing offered by universities and the various benefits and concerns about this service. | “I think it's really beneficial because you wouldn't want to give someone who's slightly more at risk of COVID because you'd been out partying so I think a test is the best thing you can do.” Participant 158, Student |
*
Mass asymptomatic testing only arose during discussion with the student sample, so is the only theme unique to this sample.