Drivers of acceptance of COVID-19 proximity tracing apps in Switzerland : panel survey analysis

Abstract

Background: Digital proximity tracing apps have been released to mitigate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus known to cause COVID-19. However, it remains unclear how the acceptance and uptake of these apps can be improved. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the coverage of the Swiss Covid app and the reasons for its nonuse in Switzerland during a period of increasing incidence of COVID-19 cases. Methods: We collected data between September 28 and October 8, 2020, via a nationwide online panel survey (COVID-19Social Monitor, N=1511). We examined sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with app use by using multivariable logistic regression, whereas reasons for app nonuse were analyzed descriptively. Results: Overall, 46.5% (703/1511) of the survey participants reported they used the Swiss Covid app, which was an increase from 43.9% (662/1508) reported in the previous study wave conducted in July 2020. A higher monthly household income (ie, income >CHF 10,000 or >US $11,000 vs income ≤CHF 6000 or