Usability and Acceptance of mHealth Self-Testing Tools in a University Environment

Mobile Health (mHealth) has the potential to transform healthcare allowing for rapid diagnosis, care, and public health surveillance. Our research investigates the usability and acceptability of an mHealth application, called UniHealth, used in parallel with a study-supplied multiplex antigen test for self-testing at home for symptomatic or asymptomatic respiratory infections (SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and B, and RSV). We conducted an anonymous online survey informed by validated questions using a 5-point-Likert derived from Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT)). The survey was conducted with university students and staff who participated in the UniHealth study. After data cleaning, we analysed 62 completed records. Most participants surveyed strongly agreed/agreed that the UniHealth app and the supplied multiplex self-tests were easy to use. Our analysis confirmed the applicability of UTAUT in the context of mHealth and antigen self-testing in the home. The findings of this study will benefit software designers and developers, antigen test designers and manufacturers, policy makers, and healthcare providers.