Interpersonal communication may improve equity in dementia risk education

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Neuroscience
• Health Communication

Background:

• Dementia risk reduction is a global health priority due to rising prevalence.
• Current risk-reduction initiatives often fail to engage diverse populations, potentially widening health inequities.
• Interpersonal communication offers a promising strategy to reach underrepresented demographic groups with vital health information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of interpersonal communication in disseminating dementia risk reduction information.
• To assess the potential of this communication method to promote behavior change across diverse populations.
• To explore how information sharing from an online course can broaden dementia risk education equity.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative thematic analysis was employed to categorize information sharing reports.
• Data were collected from participants of the global online Preventing Dementia Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).
• Participants responded to a feedback question about applying their MOOC learning through information sharing.

Main Results:

• Information about dementia risk reduction was shared with a wide array of individuals, including those from underrepresented demographic groups.
• Participants shared specific risk factor information and general details about the MOOC and dementia risk reduction.
• Some recipients of shared information began adopting risk-reducing behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Interpersonal communication effectively disseminates dementia risk reduction information to diverse populations.
• This communication method has the potential to promote behavior change among individuals at risk of dementia.
• Utilizing interpersonal channels can significantly enhance equity in dementia risk education and prevention efforts.