Young Adults' COVID-19 Testing Intentions: The Role of Health Beliefs and Anticipated Regret

Abstract

Purpose Young adults are at high risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and transmission due to their social behaviors. The purpose of this study was to determine their attitudes toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing, an important approach for minimizing infection and transmission. Methods One hundred seventy eight US individuals aged 19–25 years completed an online survey measuring COVID-19 health beliefs and testing intentions. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the association of heath belief measures (perceived COVID-19 susceptibility, COVID-19 severity, barriers and benefits to testing, and social concerns) with testing intentions. Results Most respondents (86.0%) intended to accept a COVID-19 test if recommended by a health professional. High social concern and low perceived obstacles were associated with intent to get tested. Conclusions In this sample, most young adults intended to accept COVID-19 testing. Health beliefs predicted testing intention and point to possible intervention approaches to increase willingness to accept COVID-19 testing.