Study Shows Cognitive Ability Linked to Vaccination Rates: Inequality in Health Impacted by Decision-Making Skills
A recent study conducted by researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden has revealed significant differences in vaccination rates among individuals with varying cognitive abilities. The study found that among those classified as having strong cognitive abilities, 80 percent received the COVID-19 vaccine within 50 days. However, it took individuals classified as having weak cognitive abilities 180 days to reach the same vaccination rate.
Mikael Elinder, an associate professor of economics at Uppsala University and one of the researchers involved in the study, stated, “There is a large inequality in health that can be explained by cognitive abilities.” Elinder believes that the difference in vaccination rates is not due to varying attitudes towards vaccines but rather stems from the decision-making process. He stated, “The difference in vaccination behavior is more about not getting shots.”
However, the study highlighted an exception to these findings in Region Uppsala. The researchers discovered that no differences were observed in vaccination rates between individuals with strong and weak cognitive abilities in this region. Elinder suggested that the practice of calling individuals for pre-booked vaccination appointments, rather than leaving the decision up to them, may contribute to reducing inequality. He stated that being called for an appointment “can probably be very successful in reducing inequality.”
Elinder further expressed hope that the use of pre-booked appointments would become more common in healthcare, ultimately promoting equality between individuals with varying cognitive abilities. He speculated that this approach could also be applied to other healthcare services, such as mammography and dental visits.
The study, published in the Journal of Health Economics, drew upon test results conducted before conscription and compared them with vaccination statistics from the Public Health Authority. The study encompassed a large sample size of 750,000 men and 3,000 women born between 1962 and 1979.
As the world continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the factors influencing vaccination rates is crucial. This study sheds light on the impact of cognitive abilities on vaccination behavior and highlights the potential benefits of implementing pre-booked appointments to reduce inequality in healthcare.