Factors influencing dementia preventive behaviors of older adults at high risk of dementia: Application of extended health belief model

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing dementia preventive behaviors of older adults at high risk of dementia based on extended health belief model. Methods: The subjects were 140 older adults at high risk of dementia living in H-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea. The data was collected from April 21 to May 28, 2021 by using structured questionnaires. The data was analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple regression by SPSS/WIN 24.0 program. Results: The mean score of dementia preventive behaviors of older adults at high risk of dementia was 3.47±0.49 (range 1-5). The factors influencing dementia preventive behaviors were self-efficacy (β=.82, p<.001), cues to action(β=.17, p=.013), ages 75-79 (β=0.35, p=.003; reference: ages 65-69), ages ≥80 (β=0.27, p=.021; reference: ages 65-69), which together explained 82.0% of total variance in dementia preventive behaviors (F=25.21, p<.001). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is highly recommended to develop and apply the dementia prevention program that can increase self-efficacy and cues to action for improving dementia preventive behavior of older adults at high risk of dementia.