ObjectivesThis study focused on perceived threat of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in Chinese older adults and investigated its associations with their perceived stigma and knowledge of ADRD.MethodsWe examined Chinese older adults' perceived threat of ADRD and its associations with perceived stigma, knowledge of ADRD, family variables and health variables. Data for this cross‐sectional study were collected by student interviewers in 2016. The participants (N = 754) were recruited from two urban communities in mainland China and their ages ranged from 60 to 89 (M = 69.54, SD = 7.35).ResultsHierarchical regression analyses indicated that those who are younger, have more depressive symptoms and lower levels of family cohesion are more likely to worry about ADRD. More ADRD knowledge and higher levels of perceived stigma are significantly associated with perceived threat of ADRD. Community site moderated the relationship between stigma and perceived threat of ADRD.ConclusionsIntervention or service programs need to promote ADRD knowledge and awareness in a culturally sensitive way as well as address stigma and fear toward ADRD in the older population. Future studies are needed to incorporate more cultural and environmental factors to fully understand Chinese older adults' attitudes toward and literacy of ADRD.
Background: The various complex needs for assistance among home-based older adults have increased dramatically. Thus, it would be advantageous to recruit volunteers with medical knowledge and a better understanding to support and assist the elderly living in urban communities. Aim: This study aimed to explore the experiences and expectations of receiving volunteer services among the home-based elderly in Chinese urban areas. Design, Setting and Participants: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ)guidelines. This study was performed in two communities in Wuhan, Hubei Province.A purposive sampling method, which includes criterion and maximum variation sampling, was used to identify and select a diverse range of participants. Semistructured face-to-face interviews with 20 older adults (aged 62-90 years old) were performed.The conventional content analysis method was used for thematic analysis.Results: Three categories with associated subcategories were identified: experiences of receiving volunteer services including negative and positive experiences; specific needs for volunteer services involving physiological, psychosocial, health-related behaviours and environmental domains; characteristics of expected volunteer services including availability, formats, recipients, providers and service strategies.
Conclusions:The volunteer services provided to the home-based elderly were found to be unsatisfactory, and lacking relevance and effectiveness. Due to a lack of family support or difficulty in meeting some high-level needs, the home-based elderly expressed a strong demand for volunteer services involving physiological, psychosocial, health-related behaviours and environmental domains. This finding can
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