Longitudinal COVID-19 Antibody Testing in Indiana University Undergraduate Students

The primary goal for this study is to assess whether receiving the results of an antibody test changes protective behavior to avoid SARS-CoV-2 infections (i.e., mask-wearing, physical distancing, limiting close contacts/avoiding crowds, hand-washing, avoiding contact with high-risk individuals). While studies have been published on the cross-sectional relationship between risk perception and other demographic characteristics and health behaviors that are protective for SARS-CoV-2 infection (see citations), there have been no studies showing the effect of receiving information about antibody positivity on protective behavior. Not only can results from this study be used to better model transmission, a better understanding of college student's risk perception around SARS-CoV-2 infections has implications for future vaccination strategies as well. There are concerns that a desire to return to "normal" life in combination with reduced perception of risk could have negative consequences for uptake of vaccination (Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security 2020 report, The Public's Role in COVID-19 Vaccination: Planning Recommendations Informed by Design Thinking and the Social, Behavioral, and Communication Sciences). The antibody test used in this study is named 'SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG rapid assay kit (Colloidal Gold)'. It provides a fast, on-site, and accurate detection of IgM/IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, with positive results of IgM antibodies indicating a recent infection, while positive results of IgG antibodies signaling a longer or previous infection. It can detect IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in human specimens of serum, plasma, or venous whole blood.