Preventive behavior against covid-19 and its relationship with the social and health conditions of older adults

Abstract

Abstract Objective To delineate the profile of preventive behavior against covid-19 adopted by older adults and investigate its correlation with social and health conditions. Method A cross-sectional and analytical study conducted with 72 individuals (≥ 60 years) enrolled in an Open University for Older Adults in the municipality of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. Participants were contacted via telephone from November 2020 to June 2021. A total of 11 preventive measures were scrutinized to identify the behaviors adopted by older adults against covid-19. Data analysis employed principal component analysis, Pearson's chi-square tests, and Fisher's exact tests, with a confidence level of 95%. Results The adoption of preventive behaviors was assessed through activities such as hand hygiene with soap and water, use of hand sanitizer, wearing facial masks, and practicing social distancing. The majority of individuals reported the adoption of preventive behaviors (79.2%), and it was observed that those with incomes below four minimum wages exhibited higher proportions of compliance (87.5%) compared to individuals with incomes exceeding 10 minimum wages (46.2%) (p=0.038). Conclusion Preventive measures against covid-19 were embraced by the older adults, influenced by income. The findings underscore the significance of educational strategies for fostering health preventive behaviors, taking into account the social context.