論文の公開元へFactors associated with acceptance of a digital contact tracing application for COVID-19 in the Japanese working-age population
概要
Digital contact tracing (DCT) has been used in many countries in response to the coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. DCT apps implemented in mobile devices (eg smartphones)
can be employed to detect close contact with infected individuals and prevent the spread of
COVID-19.1 Although the method of contact tracing has been used for a long time, traditional
paper-based surveys are complicated and time-consuming, and are affected by loss of questionnaires and huge amounts of data entry.2 With the recent development of digital technology and
the widespread use of mobile devices, DCT has overcome the shortcomings of traditional paperbased surveys and made it possible to conduct surveys more quickly. In recent years, DCT has
been associated with effective control of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in Sierra Leone, tuberculosis
in Botswana, and whooping cough in the United States.3
Ensuring that large numbers of people install DCT apps is essential for effective operation
of DCT against COVID-19.4-6 Previous studies revealed that demographic, behavioral, psychological, and COVID-19-related factors all influence the installation of DCT apps.1,3,7-9 From the
demographic aspect, ethnic minorities, migrants, low-income people, and elderly people were less
likely to install the apps.3 From the behavioral aspect, non-smoking status was associated with
high app acceptance, while lack of information technology skills and not having a smartphone
were associated with low app acceptance.1,8 From the psychological aspect, low app acceptance
was associated with doubts about the effectiveness of DCT apps, anxiety about the collection of
personal information, and distrust of the government and app developers.8,9 From the COVID19-related aspect, acceptance of new lifestyles under the COVID-19 epidemic such as use of hand
sanitizers, avoidance of public transportation, and wearing masks was associated with app use.7,8
Because the working-age population is at the epicenter of COVID-19 infections, it is important
to increase the acceptance of DCT apps in this population.10 In other words, the public health
benefits of adopting these apps need to be particularly recognized by the working-age population.9,11 In countries where installation of DCT apps is optional, such as North America, Europe,
Oceania, and Japan, the installation rates tend to be lower compared with countries where it is
mandatory.1,7,12 However, few studies have evaluated the factors associated with acceptance of
DCT apps using sufficient sample sizes of workers.13 The purpose of the present study was to
evaluate the factors associated with acceptance of a DCT app for COVID-19 in the working-age
population of Japan, where app installation is optional. The findings provide insights that can
help to facilitate the adoption of DCT apps among workers. ...
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