Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41821842›Full record

ArticlePaediatrics & child health2026

A qualitative descriptive study exploring perspectives on a school-based take-home COVID-19 saliva testing program.

Sarah Moor, Blossom Dharmaraj, Natasha Bruno, Cindy Bruce-Barrett, Aaron Campigotto, Michelle Science, Julia Orkin

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Paediatrics & child health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Sarah MoorDepartment of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1192-2572
Blossom DharmarajChild Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Natasha BrunoChild Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Cindy Bruce-BarrettCorporate Strategic Projects and International Patient Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Aaron CampigottoDivision of Microbiology, Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Michelle ScienceDivision of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2855-8570
Julia OrkinChild Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Objectives: Saliva testing, a safe and comfortable screening modality, can effectively detect SARS-CoV-2 in children. Recognizing the need for accessible testing in schools, a COVID-19 School Testing Program was launched across 677 schools, providing take-home saliva kits, educational materials, and ongoing support to families and school leadership. This study aimed to explore participants' experiences with the program to inform future school-based public health initiatives. Methods: Using a prospective qualitative descriptive design, we conducted semi-structured interviews until thematic saturation was reached. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through inductive content analysis, with reflexivity, use of a critical friend, and thick description ensuring methodological rigor. Twenty-one participants were interviewed. Results: Six themes emerged: (1) improved access, (2) flexibility in testing environment, (3) less invasive option, (4) convenient drop-off, (5) prompt results, and (6) enhanced school safety. Conclusion: Findings emphasize accessibility, convenience, and flexibility as essential for effective school-based viral testing models.

Indexed as

COVID-19School-based testingViral testing

Identifiers

PMID41821842
PMCPMC12976670

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.