Determinants of COVID-19 testing among late middle-aged and older adults: Applying the health belief model

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine correlates of taking a COVID-19 test among late middle-aged and older adults using nationally representative data. METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study midway release COVID-19 module. Our sample was representative of community residing adults aged 51 and over in the United States (n = 2,870). MEASUREMENTS: We regressed taking a COVID-19 test on demographic characteristics, medical comorbidities, and measures related to the health belief model (i.e., perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, cues to action, and perceived barriers) using logistic regression, stratifying the model by 10-year age categories. RESULTS: Concern about the pandemic was associated with an increase in the likelihood of taking a test among late middle-aged adults. Knowing someone who was diagnosed with COVID-19 was associated with taking a test in most age categories. Financial barriers and knowing someone who died of COVID-19 were not associated with taking a test. CONCLUSIONS: How late middle-aged and older adults perceive the COVID-19 pandemic may significantly influence their likelihood of taking a COVID-19 test.