Optimism bias regarding COVID-19: a cross-sectional study of lower-income older adults in Thailand

Abstract

Objective: Understanding the discernment of individuals about their health is crucial during public health situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Within this theme of study is how older adults perceive their vulnerabilities because it can relate to subsequent disease preventing behaviour. Materials and methods: The analysis explored optimism bias, or the perception of infection avoidance, regarding COVID-19 among lower-income Thais aged 60 and over. The study utilized an analytic sample of 2,139 individuals from the 2021 Survey on Housing and Support Services for Poor Older Adults. Logit regression model analysis was conducted, using optimistic bias as the outcome variable. Results: Increasing age and residing in urban areas were associated with a higher likelihood of bias. On the other hand, higher educational attainment was found to decrease the association with optimistic bias, indicating higher perception of risks. Adherence of older individuals to the residence-in-place policy might have contributed to perception of lower infection risks. Urban residents had better access to welfare benefits and medical facilities, which led to reduced worry and greater optimistic bias. Conclusion: Greater understanding of the disease and preventive strategies offer insights on how higher education levels lead to perceiving possible risks surrounding COVID-19.