Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for efficient and accurate testing methods to manage and mitigate the spread of the virus. Among the available testing options, antigen tests have become a focal point due to their rapid results and ease of administration. This research examined how acceptable, feasible, and accurate COVID-19 Antigen testing is among urban working-class men in Gauteng, South Africa.
METHODOLOGY
This research utilized a cross-sectional, retrospective design to analyze secondary data collected from 541 urban working-class men in Gauteng, South Africa. The data were organized based on age and occupation to ensure a diverse and representative sample. Quantitative analysis was performed using statistical software to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and accuracy of COVID-19 Antigen testing, logistic regression techniques were used to determine factors affecting participants’ willingness to undergo testing and the feasibility of the tests. Furthermore, the sensitivity and specificity of the tests were measured to assess their accuracy
FINDINGS
This study found that 82.2% of participants were willing to undergo COVID-19 antigen testing, with socioeconomic factors having minimal impact on acceptance. However, feasibility was more favorable among higher-income individuals and those at the Germiston rank. Despite the test's high specificity (99.6%), its low sensitivity (37.3%) highlights limitations in detecting cases, particularly in relation to symptom duration and testing location. These findings emphasize the need to address feasibility and diagnostic accuracy challenges to optimize the role of antigen testing in public health efforts, particularly in urban commuter populations.
CONCLUSION
This study strongly supports COVID-19 Antigen testing among Gauteng’s urban working-class men but identifies key socioeconomic and logistical challenges. To overcome these barriers, expanding access, engaging communities, and integrating Antigen testing with PCR are crucial for improving accuracy and ensuring effective public health management.