Article
Intersectional differences in the perceived ability to control a SARS-CoV-2 infection
Search Medline for
Authors
-
Till Neugebauer
- University of Witten/Herdecke, Faculty of Health/Department of Human Medicine, Chair of Health Services Research, Witten, Deutschland
-
Diana Wahidie
- University of Witten/Herdecke, Faculty of Health/Department of Human Medicine, Chair of Health Services Research, Witten, Deutschland
-
Fabian Erdsiek
- University of Witten/Herdecke, Faculty of Health/Department of Human Medicine, Chair of Health Services Research, Witten, Deutschland
-
Yüce Yılmaz-Aslan
- University of Witten/Herdecke, Faculty of Health/Department of Human Medicine, Chair of Health Services Research, Witten, Deutschland; Bielefeld University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Dept. of Epidemiology & International Public Health, Bielefeld, Deutschland; Bielefeld University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Dept. of Health Services Research and Nursing, Bielefeld, Deutschland
-
Patrick Brzoska
- University of Witten/Herdecke, Faculty of Health/Department of Human Medicine, Chair of Health Services Research, Witten, Deutschland
| Published: | September 30, 2022 |
|---|
Outline
Text
Background and status of (inter)national research: Compliance with protective measures plays an important role in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. The degree of compliance is also determined by the perceived ability to influence a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Factors that affect perceived controllability, and particularly the role of intersectional differences, have not been fully investigated.
Research question and objective: The aim of this study was to identify intersectional differences in perceived controllability. Insights into these intersectional differences could help to develop user-centered strategies to improve the acceptance of protective measures.
Method or hypothesis: The research question was investigated based on data from the seventh survey wave of the German Ageing Survey (DEAS). A multivariable linear regression model was used to identify socio-demographic and socio-economic determinants of perceived controllability. Intersectional differences were examined by means of interaction terms.
Results: Information on 4,823 respondents aged 46 to 90 years were available, of which 50.9% were female. Migration status (yes vs. no: β=-0.27, 95%-CI=-0.48,-0.06), education level (high vs. low: β=0.31, 95%-CI: 0.08;0.55) and employment status (retired vs. employed: β=0.34, 95%-CI: 0.19;0.48) were found to be significantly influencing perceived controllability. Interaction effects were found with respect to sex and migration status, with migrant women rating their controllability lower than non-migrant women (β=-0.51; 95%-CI= -0.80;-0.21), while no differences were evident between migrant and non-migrant men (β=-0.02; 95%-CI= -0.32; 0.28). Further intersectional differences were not observed.
Discussion: The study highlights the needs to address low levels of perceived controllability among migrants, among lower education groups and among older individuals. With respect to migration, it illustrates the need for an intersectional perspective by highlighting those differences in the perceived controllability exist for migrant and non-migrant women while they do not exist for men. Simultaneously, the factors associated with perceived controllability are also associated with a higher vulnerability toward specific diseases and general health impairments as previous research shows. Therefore, additional efforts which take into account the heterogeneity of the population groups as well as the role of intersectional differences are necessary.
Practical implications: Dedicated efforts to improve controllability among older adults, those with lower educational attainment and migrant women are warranted.
Appeal for practice (science and/or care) in one sentence: The development of user-centered strategies in COVID-19 pandemic control is important to address certain needs of the population and to promote preventive behavior.
