Factors associated with Medicare beneficiaries’ perceptions of COVID-19 and preventive health behaviors: results from winter 2021 MCBS survey

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the impact of preferred information sources on Medicare beneficiaries' perception of COVID-19 severity compared with flu and examines factors influencing preventive health behaviors using the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) winter 2021. Medicare beneficiaries who primarily relied on traditional news, guidance from government officials, and healthcare providers, beneficiaries who were female, older than 65 years, metro residence, or living in the West were more likely to believe that the COVID-19 is more severe than flu and take vaccine than their counterparts. Compared to White, Black and Hispanic were more likely to agree with COVID-19 severity, but less likely to take vaccine. Factors associated with preventive health behavior utilization included perceived severity of COVID-19, primary information source, gender, race, language, annual income, and chronic health conditions. It is crucial to provide accurate information in lay terms to help people understand the importance of taking preventative actions against COVID-19.