Top 5 Takeaways

1. Increased Use: At-home COVID-19 test use in the U.S. significantly increased from the Delta to Omicron variant periods.
2. Demographic Disparities: Lower at-home test use was observed among Black individuals, those aged ≥75 years, lower-income households, and those with a high school education or less.
3. Common Reasons: The primary reasons for using at-home tests were concerns about COVID-19 exposure and experiencing symptoms.
4. Public Health Implications: Equitable access to at-home tests, along with other preventive measures, is crucial for reducing COVID-19 spread.
5. Survey Findings: The study used data from a nonprobability-based online survey of U.S. adults to assess at-home test use and its demographic and geographic variations.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

John S. Brownstein, John.Brownstein@childrens.harvard.edu

Suggested Citation

Rader B, Gertz A, Iuliano AD, et al. Use of At-Home COVID-19 Tests — United States, August 23, 2021–March 12, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:489–494. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7113e1

Summary

This report examines the use of at-home COVID-19 tests in the U.S. from August 23, 2021, to March 12, 2022. The study found a significant increase in at-home test use during the Omicron variant period compared to the Delta period. Demographic disparities were noted, with lower usage among Black individuals, older adults, lower-income households, and those with lower educational attainment. The main reasons for using at-home tests were concerns about exposure to COVID-19 and experiencing symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of equitable access to at-home tests to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Methods

The study utilized data from a cross-sectional, nonprobability-based online survey of 418,279 U.S. adults aged ≥18 years conducted between August 23, 2021, and March 12, 2022. The survey was part of a collaboration between the OutbreaksNearMe team and Momentive, the developers of SurveyMonkey. Respondents were invited to participate randomly and were not compensated. Survey data were weighted to approximate the demographic composition of U.S. adults. Descriptive analyses were conducted to assess at-home test use across various demographic characteristics and geographic locations.

Discussion

The analysis revealed an increase in at-home test use, particularly during the Omicron variant period. Demographic differences in test use were observed, with higher usage among White individuals, younger adults, higher-income households, and those with higher educational attainment. These differences may reflect disparities in access and affordability of at-home tests. The findings underscore the need for equitable distribution of at-home test kits and targeted outreach to underserved populations to improve access and reduce COVID-19 spread.

Conclusion

At-home COVID-19 tests became increasingly utilized during the study period, with notable demographic disparities in their use. Ensuring equitable access to these tests, along with other preventive measures, is essential for controlling the spread of COVID-19. Continued monitoring and targeted interventions are needed to address barriers to testing and improve public health outcomes.

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