Diabetes as a predictor of COVID-19 preventive behaviors

Introduction: We explored if diabetes status predicted differences in behavioral pathways associated with staying home at the beginning of the coronavirus-19 infectious disease (COVID-19), wearing a mask, and vaccinating in a convenience sample of US adults over a 12-month period of the COVID-19 pandemic (from May 2020 through June 2021). Methods: We included participants who completed web-based surveys in May-June, 2020 (baseline), and at the 6-, 9-, 11- and 12- months follow-ups (n = 966). We collected information on demographic characteristics (baseline) and surveys with Likert-scale type questions to assess Health Beliefs Model and Theory of Planned Behavior constructs related to staying home (6-month), wearing masks in public spaces (9-month), and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (11- and 12- month). Structural equation modeling was conducted to assess behavioral pathways and direct and indirect associations with diabetes. Results: Constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Health Beliefs Model explained intention to stay home, to wear a mask, to vaccinate, and COVID-19 vaccination status. Diabetes status predicted intention to stay home directly (beta = 0.21, p < 0.05) and indirectly through perceived severity (beta = 0.11, p < 0.01). Overall, diabetes status was not associated with intention to wear a mask or vaccination. Conclusion: Findings from this study highlight relevant pathways that can be leveraged to promote preventive behaviors in people with diabetes.