Socioeconomic and Demographic Effects on SARS-CoV-2 Testing: Evidence From the State of Uttar Pradesh, India

Background The rapid global spread of SARS-CoV-2 highlighted critical challenges in healthcare systems worldwide, with differences in testing access and utilization becoming particularly evident. This study investigates the socioeconomic and demographic factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 testing service access and utilization during the second wave of the pandemic in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. Methods The study was conducted from July to October 2023 in two districts of Uttar Pradesh (UP). These districts were chosen because one had the highest and the other the lowest SARS-CoV-2 testing rates per million population as reported from March to June 2021. The study population included consenting adult individuals with self-reported symptoms indicative of SARS-CoV-2 infection during March-June 2021. The study excluded individuals under 18 years, those who did not consent, pregnant or lactating mothers, and those with communication-impairing medical conditions. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on Andersen's Behavioural Model of Health Services Use. We used chi-squared tests for all categorical variables to obtain p-values and Poisson regression to identify factors influencing testing rates. Results We screened 4,595 individuals and identified 675 eligible participants for this study. Adjusted prevalence ratios derived from multiple variate Poisson regression models showed that participants in Sitapur had a 0.47 (95% CI: 0.39-0.57) times the prevalence of being tested than those in Lucknow. Furthermore, individuals from other backward castes and scheduled castes had a 1.15 (95% CI: 0.99-1.34) and 1.22 (95% CI: 0.95-1.56) times prevalence of being tested for SARS-CoV-2, respectively, when compared to the general caste population. Scheduled Tribes showed a higher prevalence of being tested, contrasting with existing literature. Households with low, middle, and high income showed a 1.46 (95% CI: 1.12-1.89), 1.52 (95% CI: 1.14-2.02), and 1.73 (95% CI: 1.23-2.45) times the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 testing compared to those below the poverty line, respectively. Behavioral factors such as media use showed an inverse relationship with testing prevalence; individuals who did not watch TV at all had a 0.83 (95% CI: 0.70-0.99) times prevalence of being tested compared to frequent viewers, and similarly, those not using the internet on mobiles had a 0.82 (95% CI: 0.67-0.99) times prevalence than daily users. Individuals using private healthcare facilities had a 0.87 (95% CI: 0.77-0.99) times prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 testing compared to those using government facilities. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of public health strategies that address socio-economic and behavioral disparities to ensure equitable testing access across all community groups.