Abstract

We evaluated the usability of mobile COVID-19 contact tracing apps, especially for individuals with barriers to communication and limited digital literacy skills. We searched the Apple App Store, Google Play, peer-reviewed literature, and lay press to find contact tracing apps in the United States. We evaluated apps with a framework focused on user characteristics and user interface. Of the final 26 apps, 77% were on both iPhone and Android. 69% exceeded 9th grade readability, and 65% were available only in English. Only 12% had inclusive illustrations (different genders, skin tones, physical abilities). 92% alerted users of an exposure, 42% linked to a testing site, and 62% linked to a public health website within 3 clicks. Most apps alert users of COVID-19 exposure but require high English reading levels and are not fully inclusive of the U.S. population, which may limit their reach as public health tools.

中文翻译：

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美国 COVID-19 联系人追踪应用的可用性、包容性和内容评估

摘要

我们评估了移动 COVID-19 联系人追踪应用程序的可用性，特别是对于沟通障碍和数字素养技能有限的个人。我们搜索了 Apple App Store、Google Play、同行评审文献和非专业媒体，以找到美国的联系人追踪应用程序。我们使用专注于用户特征和用户界面的框架来评估应用程序。在最后的 26 个应用程序中，77% 同时在 iPhone 和 Android 上运行。69% 超过 9 年级可读性，65% 仅提供英文版本。只有 12% 有包容性的插图（不同的性别、肤色、身体能力）。在 3 次点击内，92% 提醒用户暴露，42% 链接到测试站点，62% 链接到公共卫生网站。大多数应用程序会提醒用户 COVID-19 暴露，但需要较高的英语阅读水平，并且不完全包括美国