Title: Contact Tracing Practices of Infectious Diseases in Public Health: A Literature Review
Name: Lien Nguyen
Primary Presenters: Lien Nguyen
College of Health Sciences
Research Doctorate (PhD)
Faculty Sponsor(s): Janis Eells, Jennifer Fink

Introduction/Background: Historically, contact tracing efforts dates to the smallpox outbreak of 1962, even though this widespread disease existed earlier during the 18th century (CDC, 2021). The role of contact tracers is an important part of implementing effective public health strategy for disease control. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic in March 2020. A key practice for slowing the COVID-19 spread is contact tracing, which consists of case and source investigation, used to reduce infectious disease and illnesses transmission while protecting communities (CDC, 2021). Recently, contact tracing has been a highlighted approach towards stopping the spread of COVID-19 within the past year.

Purpose: To conduct a literature review analysis regarding the practice of contact tracing used in public health for infectious diseases. We review recent progress and summarize the challenges, gaps, and opportunities to improve the practice.

Methods: Four major databases known for public health research were used to identify related published articles. Key terms used to search these databases: “contact tracing,” “contact tracer,” and “public health.” Inclusion and exclusion criteria were also established.

Results: A total of 62 articles were selected for review. The most commonly found infectious diseases for contact tracing during 2000-2021 included tuberculosis, Ebola, sexually transmitted infections, and COVID-19.

Discussion: The findings provide an overview of how contact tracing methods are utilized in public health for various infectious disease during the past 20 years. It offers insights about effective and non-effective contact tracing approaches, such as communication techniques, which may aid health organizations and programs employing workers in contact tracing roles focused on disease self-management and follow up for high-risk individuals.