Factors associated with acceptance of a digital contact tracing application for COVID-19 in the Japanese working-age population

Objective: This study aimed to determine factors associated with acceptance of a Digital Contact Tracing (DCT) app for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Japanese working-age population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed for 27,036 full-time workers registered with an internet survey company during December 2020 in Japan. Results: The rate of downloading the DCT app was 25.1%. The DCT app was more likely to be accepted by people with married status, university graduation or above, higher income, and occupations involving desk work. Fear of COVID-19 transmission, wearing a mask, using hand disinfection, willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and presence of an acquaintance infected with COVID-19 were also associated with a greater likelihood of adopting the app. Conclusions: The present findings have important implications for widespread adoption of DCT apps in working-age populations in Japan and elsewhere.