Exploring the determinants to accept dementia screening among patients at high risk of dementia based on the theory of planned behavior: A cross-sectional study

Background: Dementia represents a major public health challenge. Despite numerous initiatives promoting screening for early cognitive impairment to help prevent or delay its onset, participation remains limited. Moreover, there is limited evidence regarding screening intentions and predictors among populations at high risk of dementia. This study used the theory of planned behavior to identify modifiable factors associated with screening participation.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 16, 2021, to April 2, 2022, and involved 439 individuals at high risk of dementia selected using convenience sampling from two major regional communities in Guangzhou, China. A validated custom questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior was used for data collection, and logistic regression and structural equation modeling were applied to identify related predictors.

Results: Overall, 62 % of the participants expressed willingness to undergo dementia screening. Behavioral intention was primarily associated with Perceived behavioral control (PBC, path coefficient = 0.36), Subjective norm (path coefficient = 0.16), and Attitude (path coefficient = 0.13). Additionally, PBC was associated with a positive attitude toward dementia screening (path coefficient = 0.39).

Conclusions: PBC, subjective norm, and attitudes are associated with dementia screening willingness among high-risk groups. Healthcare professionals and policymakers should focus on enhancing favorable attitudes toward screening, increasing familial encouragement, and reducing perceived barriers to developing effective prevention or intervention strategies.