Perceived Genetic Risk and Dietary Prevention Beliefs among Offspring of People Living with Dementia: A Mixed-Methods Study Guided by the Health Belief Model

Authors:
Preprint
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Background: Given the rising global prevalence of dementia and its complex etiology, involving genetic and environmental risk factors, the aim of the present exploratory study was to investigate how offspring of individuals with dementia perceive genetic risk and the role of diet in dementia prevention. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted in Greece. Overall, 118 offspring completed an online questionnaire as-sessing demographics, risk perceptions, and dietary beliefs and practices in dementia prevention. Additionally, 22 semi-structured interviews explored dietary beliefs, prac-tices, and influencing factors using framework analysis. Results: Most participants (76.3%), widely recognized diet's role in dementia prevention, while 52.5% perceived offspring as having increased genetic risk. 40.7% reported making dietary changes to reduce disease risk, with healthcare professional consultation being the strongest pre-dictor of dietary modifications (OR = 26.612, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings showed that while dementia was viewed as severe, personal susceptibility was often perceived as uncertain or distant. Key barriers, facilitators, and the role of self-efficacy in adopt-ing healthier dietary practices were also explored. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of personalized dietary counselling and risk communication in demen-tia, to support the implementation of dietary modifications and reduce the gap be-tween knowledge and behavior in dementia prevention.
All Related Versions

This publication has 56 references indexed in Scilit: