1177Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, 242612Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
J Aging Health. 2021 Aug-Sep;33(7-8):577-584. doi: 10.1177/08982643211002084. Epub 2021 Mar 27.
This study investigated the predictors of risk perception and its effect on older adults' preventive behavior and/or medical care avoidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older respondents (age >50 years) from the MIT COVID-19 Preventive Health Survey reported their social distancing, hand washing, mask wearing, and medical care avoidance between July and October 2020 ( = 4395). Structural equation models were used. Significant predictors of higher risk perception were female gender, older age, poorer health, city residency, personally knowing someone who had COVID-19, and correct knowledge of vaccine/treatment. Higher risk perception was subsequently associated with higher frequency/probability of practicing preventive behavior and/or avoiding medical care. Knowledge had the strongest path coefficient with risk perception. Disseminating correct information to older adults could help them evaluate infection risk accurately. Educational programs on the precautions implemented at clinical settings to ensure patient safety may encourage older adults to seek timely medical care.
本研究调查了风险认知的预测因素及其对 COVID-19 大流行期间老年人预防行为和/或医疗保健回避的影响。来自麻省理工学院 COVID-19 预防健康调查的老年受访者（年龄> 50 岁）报告了他们在 2020 年 7 月至 10 月期间的社交距离、洗手、戴口罩和医疗保健回避情况（= 4395）。使用结构方程模型。较高风险认知的显著预测因素包括女性性别、年龄较大、健康状况较差、城市居住、认识患有 COVID-19 的人以及正确了解疫苗/治疗方法。较高的风险认知随后与更频繁/更有可能采取预防措施和/或避免医疗保健相关。知识与风险认知的路径系数最强。向老年人传播正确的信息可以帮助他们准确评估感染风险。关于在临床环境中实施的预防措施的教育计划可能会鼓励老年人及时寻求医疗保健。
