M Guillon1. 1. Université de Montpellier, Montpellier Recherche en Economie, Avenue Raymond Dugrand, 34960 Cedex 2, Montpellier, France.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the influence of COVID-19 conspiracy theories on digital contact-tracing adoption and the differentiated uptake of digital contact-tracing by COVID-19 risk factor and by exposure risk. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional survey conducted in France in November 2020 (N = 1042), we investigate the factors associated with the use of the French 'TousAntiCovid' contact-tracing application. Our independent variables of interest include COVID-19 and 'TousAntiCovid' perceptions, trust in the government, time and risk preferences and the level of adherence to COVID-19 conspiracy theories. We conduct regression analyses by COVID-19 risk factor and exposure groups. RESULTS: Among the full sample, a negative association is found between the propensity to believe in COVID-19 conspiracy theories and the use of 'TousAntiCovid'. French respondents at risk of severe COVID-19 form are more likely to use 'TousAntiCovid'. No difference in uptake is found by exposure group. Group analyses indicate that the factors associated with the uptake of digital contact-tracing differ by COVID-19 risk factor and exposure risk. CONCLUSION: Governmental communication to fight COVID-19 misinformation and to stress out the utility and data safety of 'TousAntiCovid' should be reinforced. Targeted communication campaigns should be conducted among low adoption groups and key groups in COVID-19 transmission.
BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the influence of COVID-19 conspiracy theories on digital contact-tracing adoption and the differentiated uptake of digital contact-tracing by COVID-19 risk factor and by exposure risk. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional survey conducted in France in November 2020 (N = 1042), we investigate the factors associated with the use of the French 'TousAntiCovid' contact-tracing application. Our independent variables of interest include COVID-19 and 'TousAntiCovid' perceptions, trust in the government, time and risk preferences and the level of adherence to COVID-19 conspiracy theories. We conduct regression analyses by COVID-19 risk factor and exposure groups. RESULTS: Among the full sample, a negative association is found between the propensity to believe in COVID-19 conspiracy theories and the use of 'TousAntiCovid'. French respondents at risk of severe COVID-19 form are more likely to use 'TousAntiCovid'. No difference in uptake is found by exposure group. Group analyses indicate that the factors associated with the uptake of digital contact-tracing differ by COVID-19 risk factor and exposure risk. CONCLUSION: Governmental communication to fight COVID-19 misinformation and to stress out the utility and data safety of 'TousAntiCovid' should be reinforced. Targeted communication campaigns should be conducted among low adoption groups and key groups in COVID-19 transmission.
Authors: Tala Ballouz; Dominik Menges; Hélène E Aschmann; Ruedi Jung; Anja Domenghino; Jan S Fehr; Milo A Puhan; Viktor von Wyl Journal: JMIR Public Health Surveill Date: 2022-05-19