DOI: 10.5588/pha.23.0045 ISSN: 2220-8372
Feasibility and acceptability of COVID-19 self-testing in the Philippines
E. U. Mallari, S. Keller, J. F. Febre, J. Timbol, R. Powers, R. R. Peregrino, A. Slyzkii, C. Mulder, M. V. Magno, I. Spruijt- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Health Policy
Self-testing for COVID-19 using antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) shows high promise in the Philippines. Self-testing has the potential to provide broader access to testing, empowering individuals by bringing healthcare services closer to them. We conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with health officers and decision-makers in the Philippines. These interviews explored the experiences and perspectives on the acceptability and feasibility of self-test use and implementation. We found that self-testing is easy-to-use, provides rapid results and can facilitate early detection. However, regulatory policies, linkages to care and effective health education plans must be in place for successful implementation.