Factors Associated with Good COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors Among Older Adults in Urban Communities in Thailand

Abstract

Introduction/Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected mobility and mortality entire age, especially older adults. The COVID-19 preventive behaviors among older adults during the pandemic should be determined. To our knowledge, little is known about the preventive behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults living in urban areas in Thailand and the factors predicted to their behavior. Hence, the present study aimed to assess COVID-19 preventive behaviors among older adults and to identify the associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 421 participants aged ≥60 years. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, binary and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: We found that 321 (72.6%) of the participants had good COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Moreover, 83.4% of the participants had good family support and 58.2% had easy access to health information. Only sufficient income (odds ratio [OR]: 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-2.97), easy access to health services (OR: 3.66, 95% CI: 1.42-9.45) and protective material (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.14-3.45), and good family support (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.10-3.82) were associated with good COVID-19 preventive behaviors. In contrast, health literacy, access to health information, and neighbor and health personnel support were not associated with COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Conclusion: Based on the present results, interdisciplinary healthcare teams should consider social support, and access to healthcare when developing interventions for encouraging and promoting health outcomes in order to improve physical and psychological COVID-19 preventive behaviors, particularly among elderly people living in urban communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Literacy among Older Adults during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Urban Community in Thailand

“…6 COVID-19 prevention behaviors were extremely important in reducing viral spread and casualties in populations at risk. 7 As COVID-19 is transmitted by droplets, 8 health authorities in several countries, including Thailand, promoted frequent hand washing with soap and water, use of masks, and social distancing to reduce exposure, in addition to strict citywide lockdowns to control the spreads of the epidemic. 9 Moreover, accessing fundamental health information, obtaining a genuine understanding of the principles of disease prevention, and managing public health remained crucial, especially for at-risk populations.…”

“… 6 ) COVID-19 prevention behaviors were extremely important in reducing viral spread and casualties in populations at risk. 7 )…”

Association between Health Literacy, Self-care Behavior, and Blood Sugar Level among Older Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Rural Thai Communities

“…2,21,23) Contrary to previous findings, patient age was not associated with HL in older adults in urban communities in Thailand. 14,24) The current study's findings indicated that HL was associated with positive self-care behaviors, whereas self-care behaviors were negatively associated with blood sugar levels. Thus, increasing HL in patients with diabetes results in improved self-care behavior and, as a result, lower blood sugar levels.…”

“… 2 , 21 , 23 ) Contrary to previous findings, patient age was not associated with HL in older adults in urban communities in Thailand. 14 , 24 )…”

“…Self-care behavior is a principal concept in health promotion that refers to decision-making and health behaviors that an individual could make to address a health issue or maintain their current level of health. 14 ) Self-care encompasses four dimensions: the physical, averting complications, treatment, and psychosocial dimensions. 15 ) Additionally, patients must learn to motivate themselves and gain social support to sustain their efforts.…”