Evaluation of Public Health Messages Promoting Early Detection of Dementia Among Adult Latinos With a Living Older Adult Parental Figure

Abstract

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the resonance of public health messages promoting early detection of dementia in adult Latinos with a living older adult loved one. Method: We conducted a mixed-methods study with focus groups and surveys to evaluate eight messages encouraging Latino adults to accompany their older loved one for cognitive assessment. Qualitative data were transcribed and coded, and thematic analysis was conducted. We used descriptive statistics for quantitative data. Results: Participants suggested that messages need to be translated into Spanish and images need to be more natural, present balance between positive and serious facial expressions, show more ethnic/racial diversity, and show family members other than the parents. Five major sociocultural themes affected how the messages were received: stigma, gender roles, the importance of the mother figure, guilt, and family togetherness. Conclusion: Public health messages targeting cultural values are needed to effectively encourage early dementia detection in Latinos. Findings can be used to adapt culturally appropriate public health messages encouraging early dementia detection in Latinos.