JAMA Netw Open

Many Americans hesitant to test for COVID-19 in the postpandemic era

July 2, 2025

Study details: This cross-sectional study surveyed 2,009 U.S. adults between October 2024 and April 2025 to evaluate their willingness to test for COVID-19 if symptomatic. Researchers also examined demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors to identify predictors of testing intent.

Results: Roughly 30% of respondents reported they wouldn’t or were unsure if they would test for COVID-19 if symptomatic. Testing intent was significantly lower among individuals without a primary care physician (58.6% vs. 72.1%), those with low trust in healthcare, and those living in nonmetropolitan areas. Younger adults, men, and those with lower educational attainment were also less likely to express intent to test.

Clinical impact: A significant share of U.S. adults remain hesitant to test for COVID-19 when symptomatic, posing a challenge for ongoing public health efforts. The findings underscore the need for targeted outreach and easier access to testing—especially in underserved, rural, and low-trust populations.

Source:

Fisher KA, et al. (2025, June 30). JAMA Netw Open. Intent to Test for COVID-19 in the Postpandemic Era. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40587135/