Barriers to the large-scale adoption of the COVID-19 contact-tracing app in Germany: Survey study


Blom, Annelies G. ; Wenz, Alexander ; Cornesse, Carina ; Rettig, Tobias ; Fikel, Marina ; Friedel, Sabine ; Möhring, Katja ; Naumann, Elias ; Reifenscheid, Maximiliane ; Krieger, Ulrich


[img] PDF
document.pdf - Published

Download (197kB)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/23362
URL: https://madoc.bib.uni-mannheim.de/59269
Additional URL: https://www.jmir.org/2021/3/e23362
URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:180-madoc-592692
Document Type: Article
Year of publication: 2021
The title of a journal, publication series: Journal of Medical Internet Research : JMIR
Volume: 23
Issue number: 3
Page range: e23362
Place of publication: Toronto
Publishing house: Centre of Global eHealth Innovation
ISSN: 1439-4456 , 1438-8871
Related URLs:
Publication language: English
Institution: Außerfakultäre Einrichtungen > Mannheim Centre for European Social Research - Research Department B
Außerfakultäre Einrichtungen > SFB 884
Pre-existing license: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
Subject: 300 Social sciences, sociology, anthropology
Abstract: Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, one way to reduce further transmissions of SARS-CoV-2 is the widespread use of contact tracing apps. Such apps keep track of proximity contacts and warn contacts of persons who tested positive for an infection. Objective: In this study, we analyzed potential barriers to the large-scale adoption of the official contact tracing app that was introduced in Germany on June 16, 2020. Methods: Survey data were collected from 3276 adults during the week the app was introduced using an offline-recruited, probability-based online panel of the general adult population in Germany. Results: We estimate that 81% of the population aged 18 to 77 years possess the devices and ability to install the official app and that 35% are also willing to install and use it. Potential spreaders show high access to devices required to install the app (92%) and high ability to install the app (91%) but low willingness (31%) to correctly adopt the app, whereas for vulnerable groups, the main barrier is access (62%). Conclusions: The findings suggest a pessimistic view on the effectiveness of app-based contact tracing to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend targeting information campaigns at groups with a high potential to spread the virus but who are unwilling to install and correctly use the app, in particular men and those aged between 30 and 59 years. In addition, vulnerable groups, in particular older individuals and those in lower-income households, may be provided with equipment and support to overcome their barriers to app adoption.




Dieser Eintrag ist Teil der Universitätsbibliographie.

Das Dokument wird vom Publikationsserver der Universitätsbibliothek Mannheim bereitgestellt.




Metadata export


Citation


+ Search Authors in

+ Download Statistics

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics



You have found an error? Please let us know about your desired correction here: E-Mail


Actions (login required)

Show item Show item