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Pre-pandemic cognitive function and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: cohort study
G David Batty1, Ian J Deary2, Chloe Fawns-Ritchie3
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, UK.
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|May 22, 2021
Summary
Lower cognitive function is linked to increased COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Individuals with lower cognition scores were more likely to be hesitant about the vaccine, suggesting a potential public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy are being studied.
- The role of cognitive function in vaccine hesitancy remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between cognitive function test scores and self-reported COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized individual-level data from the UK Understanding Society 'Main Survey' and a 'COVID Survey'.
- Collected data on vaccine intentionality from 11,740 individuals (aged 16-95) in Nov/Dec 2020.
- Assessed pre-pandemic cognitive function using six tests from the 2011/12 Main Survey wave.
Main Results:
- 17.2% of participants reported vaccine hesitancy.
- Lower baseline cognition scores were significantly associated with increased vaccine hesitancy (OR per SD lower score: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.62, 1.90).
- This association persisted after adjusting for health factors and was partially attenuated but still significant after controlling for education (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.37, 1.67). A linear trend was observed across all cognition scores (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Lower cognitive function may contribute to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, potentially influenced by misinformation.
- Individuals with lower cognition also face higher COVID-19 risks, suggesting a potential for increased disease burden.
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