Date of Conferral

5-22-2024

Date of Award

May 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Jeanne Connors

Abstract

Dementia, characterized by compromised memory, reasoning, and problem-solving, is one of the major health concerns for older adults in rural areas. Literature has indicated that there are gaps in knowledge about what older adults in rural communities know about dementia and its risk factors. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the knowledge, health beliefs, and attitudes toward dementia and its risk factors among older adults in rural areas. This study aimed to determine gaps in older adults’ knowledge of dementia and its risk factors and to identify their understanding of lifestyle factors and strategies that were likely to inform them about participating in annual health screenings and dementia prevention activities. The health belief model helped address the key research questions regarding older adults’ knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward dementia and its risk factors. Twenty-four older adults participated in a semi-structured interview. Based on the thematic analysis of data, older adults living in rural areas were not fully aware of the risk factors and preventative care of dementia. However, they appeared to know the nature of dementia, along with a few signs and symptoms. Since access to general health care and knowledge of cognitive health are limited in rural areas, community health professionals must offer resources on dementia and launch educational programs for older adults, people with dementia, and their caregivers to help increase the awareness of risk factors of dementia along with prevention strategies that can help mitigate cognitive decline and enhance the quality of life. The implications for social change include the potential use of culturally responsive and sustainable dementia care and education programs in rural communities.

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