AUTHOR=Gill Emily , Hall Zora , Thorpe Lorna E. , Williams Natasha J. , Anastasiou Elle , Bendik Stefanie , Punter Malcolm , Reiss Jeremy , Shelley Donna , Bragg Marie 

TITLE=COVID-19 testing experiences and attitudes among young adults and socially isolated older adults living in public housing, New York City (2022)

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1484473

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2025.1484473

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=BackgroundAs part of an initiative to increase COVID-19 testing uptake among underserved populations, we conducted focus groups to explore experiences and attitudes related to testing in two understudied groups—young adults and socially-isolated older adults—recruited from residents living in New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) public housing developments.Materials and methodsIn June through November 2022, we conducted eight virtual focus groups with 21 young adults and 11 older adults living in NYCHA (n = 32 total). To identify themes, we conducted a rapid qualitative analysis approach.ResultsResidents discussed four overarching themes: (1) trusted COVID-19 information sources; (2) reasons for testing; (3) barriers to testing, and (4) strategies to increase testing uptake. Findings were similar across the two age groups; both cited multiple sources of information, including major media outlets, government or public health officials, and doctors. Young adults were more likely to access information from social media despite concerns about misinformation. Participants identified several barriers to testing, such as long lines, insurance coverage, and cost. Young adults reported that at-home COVID testing was more convenient, while older adults expressed concern about accuracy and administering the tests themselves. Recommendations for improving testing emphasized easier access via a central well-known location, in-home visits, free or low-cost tests, and increased outreach.ConclusionMainstream media, doctors and public agencies remain the most trusted sources of information among younger and older residents alike. Many resident recommendations involved leveraging NYCHA infrastructure, highlighting the continuing role public housing authorities can play in COVID-19 and other health initiatives.