Determinants of COVID-19 Prevention Behavior in the Elderly in Urmia: Application of Health Belief Model

Abstract

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 disease effects on all age group and sex, especially the elderly, due to the high mortality rate, it is very impressive and the protective measures can reduce mortality in the elderly. AIM: The present study was conducted to find the determinants of COVID-19 prevention behavior in the elderly in Urmia by emphasizing on the health belief model. METHODS: The present study was a cross-sectional study on 1400 elderly people in Urmia, Iran in 2020 and the sample selection was by simple random sampling by simple random sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire in this study that included demographic characteristics, health belief model questionnaire, and COVID-19 prevention behaviors. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and linear regression tests using SPSS 23 software. RESULTS: The results showed that the COVID-19 prevention behavior score has been increased by increasing age rate and this behavior was higher in older women than men (p = 0.02). Furthermore, linear regression test showed the most predictive constructs as knowledge (B = 0.38), perceived susceptibility (B = 0.29), perceived intensity (B = 0.25), and perceived self-efficacy (B = 0.21, respectively) and these structures were statistically significant (p < 0/05). CONCLUSION: Effective interventions based on the health belief model and emphasizing on promoting knowledge, perceived susceptibility, severity, and perceived self-efficacy can prevent the elderly from developing this disease and its complications.