A qualitative descriptive study exploring perspectives on a school-based take-home COVID-19 saliva testing program.

IF 2.5 4区医学 Q2 PEDIATRICS

Paediatrics & child health Pub Date : 2026-01-13 eCollection Date: 2026-03-01 DOI:10.1093/pch/pxaf104

Sarah Moor, Blossom Dharmaraj, Natasha Bruno, Cindy Bruce-Barrett, Aaron Campigotto, Michelle Science, Julia Orkin

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives: Saliva testing, a safe and comfortable screening modality, can effectively detect SARS-CoV-2 in children. Recognizing the need for accessible testing in schools, a COVID-19 School Testing Program was launched across 677 schools, providing take-home saliva kits, educational materials, and ongoing support to families and school leadership. This study aimed to explore participants' experiences with the program to inform future school-based public health initiatives.

Methods: Using a prospective qualitative descriptive design, we conducted semi-structured interviews until thematic saturation was reached. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through inductive content analysis, with reflexivity, use of a critical friend, and thick description ensuring methodological rigor. Twenty-one participants were interviewed.

Results: Six themes emerged: (1) improved access, (2) flexibility in testing environment, (3) less invasive option, (4) convenient drop-off, (5) prompt results, and (6) enhanced school safety.

Conclusion: Findings emphasize accessibility, convenience, and flexibility as essential for effective school-based viral testing models.

Abstract Image

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一项定性描述性研究探讨了基于学校的COVID-19唾液测试项目的观点。

目的：唾液检测是一种安全、舒适的筛查方式，可有效检测儿童SARS-CoV-2。认识到在学校进行无障碍检测的必要性，在677所学校启动了2019冠状病毒病学校检测项目，提供唾液包、教育材料，并为家庭和学校领导提供持续支持。本研究旨在探讨参与者在该计划中的经验，为未来以学校为基础的公共卫生倡议提供信息。方法：采用前瞻性定性描述设计，我们进行了半结构化访谈，直到主题饱和。访谈录音，转录，并通过归纳内容分析分析，反身性，使用关键的朋友，和厚实的描述，确保方法的严谨性。21名参与者接受了采访。结果：出现了六个主题：(1)改善访问，(2)测试环境的灵活性，(3)更少的侵入性选择，(4)方便的下车，(5)及时的结果，(6)加强学校安全。结论：研究结果强调了可及性、便利性和灵活性是有效的基于学校的病毒检测模型的关键。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Paediatrics & child health 医学-小儿科

CiteScore

2.10

自引率

5.30%

发文量

208

审稿时长

>12 weeks

期刊介绍： Paediatrics & Child Health (PCH) is the official journal of the Canadian Paediatric Society, and the only peer-reviewed paediatric journal in Canada. Its mission is to advocate for the health and well-being of all Canadian children and youth and to educate child and youth health professionals across the country. PCH reaches 8,000 paediatricians, family physicians and other child and youth health professionals, as well as ministers and officials in various levels of government who are involved with child and youth health policy in Canada.