September 2, 2020

“Immunity Passports” for SARS-CoV-2: An Online Experimental Study of the Impact of Antibody Test Terminology on Perceived Risk and Behaviour

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Public Health Policy and Practice

Keywords (Tags): public health

• In an online survey among 1,204 adults from a UK research panel, Waller et al. reported that by using the term “immunity” (vs “antibody”) to describe antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2, participants were more likely to perceive no risk of catching coronavirus given an positive antibody test result (OR 2.9). Perceiving no risk of infection was associated with an intention to wash hands less frequently (aOR=2.3)

Waller et al. (Sept 2, 2020). “Immunity Passports” for SARS-CoV-2: An Online Experimental Study of the Impact of Antibody Test Terminology on Perceived Risk and Behaviour. BMJ Open. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040448