Impulsivity assessed ten years earlier and sociodemographic factors predict adherence to COVID-19 related behavioral restrictions in old individuals with hypertension

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had clear and dramatic repercussions on health, the economy, and psychosocial well-being. Behavioral measures, such as wearing facemasks and maintaining distance from others, have proven crucial in fighting the contagion’s spread. This study aimed to investigate Type A personality traits and sociodemographic predictors of adherence to governmental measures in a sample of frail individuals. Methods A sample of 105 Italians over age 60 (Mean age = 70 years; 60.6% male) affected by hypertension who participated in a previous longitudinal study were assessed through a telephone structured interview. Sociodemographic information and Type A personality traits were retrieved from the original longitudinal study. Adherence behaviors were investigated through several questions regarding the compliance with home confinement, the use of facemasks and the observance of social distancing. Repeated measures Analyses of Variance (RMANOVA), Reliable Change Index, and binomial logistic regression analysis were performed. Results Only 33.3% of the participants reported adherence to all the governmental COVID-19 measures. Being a woman (OR = 4.84; 95% CI = 1.58, 14.90; p < 0.01), being retired (OR = 4.89; 95% CI = 1.09, 21.86; p < 0.05), and suffering from hypertension for a relatively short time (OR = 4.20; 95% CI = 1.22, 14.44; p < 0.05) positively predicted adherence to the governmental measures. Impulsivity resulted in a stable personality characteristic over the last ten years (p = 0.30). Having high levels of impulsivity (OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.13, 4.59; p < 0.05) negatively predicted adherence. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that impulsivity is a stable personality facet that can have a robust negative impact on adherence behaviors to health claims. Overall, results show the importance to tailor communication strategies that consider the role of sociodemographic indicators and impulsivity to achieve a high level of adherence.

Associations between Lifestyle Changes and Adherence to COVID-19 Restrictions in Older Adults with Hypertension

“…The present study investigated adherence behaviors in-depth and provided a comprehensive assessment while strictly following the indications promoted by the Italian government. Importantly, as already discussed in a previous work [37], our results show that difficulty adhering to all the restrictions is also true for the older adults with a chronic clinical condition-that is, people at higher risk for virus contraction's worst consequences.…”

“…Regarding the second aim of the present work, it is worth noting that, as reported in a previous paper [37], only 33% of the sample abided by all the limitations imposed by the Italian government. This low level of adherence could be explained considering the strictness of the evaluation we carried out.…”

“…The second aim of the study was to investigate how lifestyle changes, along with the relevant sociodemographic indicators, might impact adherence to behavioral restrictions. As reported in a previous study on the same sample, only 33.3% of the respondents abided by all the national restrictions [37]. Based on the studies reported above, a series of hypotheses were made regarding the potential predictors of adherence.…”

The Rhythm of Aging: Routine Preferences in Older Adults – Interplay of Personality, Self-control, Impulsiveness, and Intolerance for Uncertainty

“…Impulsivity, often associated with younger individuals, can also affect older adults due to cognitive changes and medication side effects (32; 33; 34). High impulsivity in older adults can disrupt established routines, making it challenging to maintain consistency and structure (35). Cognitive abilities, overall health, personality traits, and life experiences in uence impulsivity and adherence to routine.…”