AUTHOR=Daniore Paola , Moser André , Höglinger Marc , Probst Hensch Nicole , Imboden Medea , Vermes Thomas , Keidel Dirk , Bochud Murielle , Ortega Herrero Natalia , Baggio Stéphanie , Chocano-Bedoya Patricia , Rodondi Nicolas , Tancredi Stefano , Wagner Cornelia , Cullati Stéphane , Stringhini Silvia , Gonseth Nusslé Semira , Veys-Takeuchi Caroline , Zuppinger Claire , Harju Erika , Michel Gisela , Frank Irène , Kahlert Christian R. , Albanese Emiliano , Crivelli Luca , Levati Sara , Amati Rebecca , Kaufmann Marco , Geigges Marco , Ballouz Tala , Frei Anja , Fehr Jan , von Wyl Viktor
TITLE=Interplay of Digital Proximity App Use and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Uptake in Switzerland: Analysis of Two Population-Based Cohort Studies
JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health
VOLUME=68
YEAR=2023
URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2023.1605812
DOI=10.3389/ijph.2023.1605812
ISSN=1661-8564
ABSTRACT=Objectives: Our study aims to evaluate developments in vaccine uptake and digital proximity tracing app use in a localized context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Methods: We report findings from two population-based longitudinal cohorts in Switzerland from January to December 2021. Failure time analyses and Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted to assess vaccine uptake and digital proximity tracing app (SwissCovid) uninstalling outcomes.
Results: We observed a dichotomy of individuals who did not use the SwissCovid app and did not get vaccinated, and who used the SwissCovid app and got vaccinated during the study period. Increased vaccine uptake was observed with SwissCovid app use (aHR, 1.51; 95% CI: 1.40–1.62 [CI-DFU]; aHR, 1.79; 95% CI: 1.62–1.99 [CSM]) compared to SwissCovid app non-use. Decreased SwissCovid uninstallation risk was observed for participants who got vaccinated (aHR, 0.55; 95% CI: 0.38–0.81 [CI-DFU]; aHR, 0.45; 95% CI: 0.27–0.78 [CSM]) compared to participants who did not get vaccinated.
Conclusion: In evolving epidemic contexts, these findings underscore the need for communication strategies as well as flexible digital proximity tracing app adjustments that accommodate different preventive measures and their anticipated interactions.