Older people and responses to COVID-19: A cross-sectional study of prevention practices and vaccination intention

Wong LP 1 , Alias H 1 , Tan YR 2 , Tan KM 2

Affiliations 

  • 1 Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 2 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Int J Older People Nurs, 2021 Nov 30.
PMID: 34846801 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12436

Abstract

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a threat to everyone's health and can be especially devastating to older individuals.

AIM: This study examined the behavioural prevention practices against SARS-CoV-2 infection and the intention to vaccinate among older people when the COVID-19 vaccine is on the verge of becoming available.

METHOD: A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted between 14th July and 8th October 2020 among the older people in Malaysia. A questionnaire was designed to assess the practice towards measures preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection, and COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and intention. Socio-demographic characteristics, constructs of a health belief model (HBM), the 6-item state version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6) were correlates of the main outcomes.

FINDINGS: The mean score of total preventive measures scores was 13.4 ± 1.7 out of a maximum score of 15, indicating very good prevention practices. By demographics, females, having a tertiary education exhibited higher prevention practices in the univariable analyses. Components of the HBM and being female remain significant correlates of higher prevention practices in multivariable logistic regression analysis (MLRA). A total of 657 (87.1%) participants responded and intend to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Provider recommendations may improve vaccination uptake (91.6%). MLRA revealed that having a positive vaccination attitude was 16 times more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccination (OR = 16.10; 95% CI 8.97-28.91). Hearing of someone they know who has COVID-19 serves as a cue to action and significantly influences vaccination (OR = 4.25; 95% CI 1.80-10.03). Participants below 70 years old expressed higher vaccination intention (OR = 2.07; 95% CI 1.19-3.58).

CONCLUSION: The results provide the first evidence for public authorities to target older people vulnerable to compliance with recommended preventive measures against SARS-CoV-2 infections.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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