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Original Article
- The Role of Time Preferences in Compliance With COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors in Iran: A Quasi-hyperbolic Discounting Approach
- Moslem Soofi, Ali Kazemi Karyani, Shahin Soltani, Zahra Alipoor, Behzad Karamimatin
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(3):326-335. Published online February 13, 2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.453
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Abstract
Summary
PDF - Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the role of time preferences in compliance with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive behaviors in an adult population of Iran.
Methods
A web-based questionnaire was utilized to conduct a cross-sectional survey of 672 Iranian adults. The parameters of time preferences were estimated using a quasi-hyperbolic discounting model, and the relationship between COVID-19 preventive behaviors and time preferences was examined using a probit regression model.
Results
A significant association was observed between the preventive behaviors of COVID-19 and the levels of patience and present-biased preferences among the study participants. Individuals who exhibited low levels of patience were found to be 12.8 percentage points less inclined to follow preventive behaviors compared to those with high levels of patience. The likelihood of having good preventive behaviors of COVID-19 was found to decrease by 14.3 percentage points among individuals with a present bias as opposed to those with a bias toward future.
Conclusions
Patience and present-biased preferences are important determinants of adopting preventive behaviors against COVID-19. These behavioral characteristics should be considered in the design of control and prevention programs. Considering people’s discounting behavior and time (in)consistency in their preferences in the design of COVID-19 policy interventions can provide valuable insights for developing tailored public health policy interventions. -
SummaryKey Message
This study explored how time preferences—patience and present bias—affect compliance with COVID-19 preventive behaviors among Iranian adults. Using a web-based survey and quasi-hyperbolic discounting model, it found that those with low patience or present-biased preferences were less likely to follow preventive measures than those with high patience or future-oriented preferences. The findings highlight the need to consider time preferences in designing effective public health interventions to improve adherence to preventive measures.
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