Preventive Behaviors of COVID-19 and Related Factors in The Older Adults of Kashan in 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the preventive behaviors of older adults regarding COVID-19 and related factors in Kashan.<br /> Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on older adults living in Kashan in 2021. In this study, 210 older adults covered by comprehensive health services centers were selected by stratified sampling. An investigator-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and preventive behaviors related to COVID-19. Multiple linear regressions, one-way ANOVA, and independent t-tests were used to analyze the data. A significance level of less than 0.5 was considered.<br /> Results: The mean score for preventive behaviors among older adults was 52.93 +/- 7.28. The most common preventive behavior was "hand washing after entering the house", and the least common was "evaluating the symptoms of the disease". A statistically significant relationship was found between preventive behaviors and gender, underlying disease, smoking, history of COVID-19, and herbal medicine use (P<0.05). The findings of this study suggest that women, individuals with underlying health conditions, and those with higher levels of education and who are single are more likely to take preventive measures against COVID-19 compared to men (P<0.05).<br /> Conclusion: This highlights the importance of targeted education and awareness for older adults, who have been found to decrease their preventive behaviors during the pandemic. This demographic must understand the potential consequences of not prioritizing their health during epidemics, as it can have a significant impact on the wider community.