Characteristics of an Older Adult Population Without COVID-19 Infection in a Southeast Minnesota Community

To assess demographic characteristics, public health measures, and health beliefs or behaviors that differentiate participants with a history of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection from those with no history of COVID-19.

A cross-sectional survey-based study nested within a larger prospective cohort study of a community-based sample of 2511 adults was conducted to assess the incidence of viral infections. Community-based adults aged 50 years and older residing in southeast Minnesota who were assessed and self-reported history of COVID-19 infection during the early to mid phase of the COVID-19 pandemic were included; 1758 participants completed the survey between June 6, 2021, and February 7, 2022. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire containing 42 items related to COVID-19. Odds ratios were calculated for history of COVID-19 to compare sociodemographic factors, current and future health behaviors, and health beliefs, including effective preventive measures and modes of transmission.

We found that certain sociodemographic features and health behaviors (eg, adherence to public health measures, such as COVID-19 vaccination) are associated with protection against COVID-19 infection and that strong beliefs in effective COVID-19 protective measures and modes of transmission (eg, types of social distancing) differentiated those without from those with a history of COVID-19.

Depending on the communicability, virulence, and pathogenicity of future COVID-19 variants, local, state, and federal governments must continue to consider the risks and benefits of public health initiatives that take into consideration these protective factors.