Understanding screening behaviour for dementia

Abstract

The literature review initially outlines the clinical importance of understanding determinants of screening behaviour. Theories offering accounts for understanding screening behaviour, with special reference to the case of dementia screening, and their evidence is discussed. Dementia screening behaviour is likely to be influenced by: social cognitions; affect; neuropsychological variable; the degenerative nature of the disease; and, by the impact of information imparted to gain informed consent. The review concludes that there are important gaps in our knowledge about dementia screening behaviour. Given that neuropsychologists have expressed concern about the impact of clinical information on attending for a cognitive assessment, exploring its impact is an important area for future research.

Using an asymptomatic older adult population, part one of the empirical study explored the influence of information about the possible outcomes of attending a cognitive assessment, and the temporal order of the information, on screening intentions. Part two assessed the utility of the Health Belief and Monitor Process models to predict intentions. Most participants reported positive screening intentions both before and after reading the information. However, information significantly increased intentions. Reading positive then negative information about possible outcomes was associated with significantly stronger intentions to attend compared to reading negative information first. Monitor style was associated with the influence of information on formulating intentions. Regression analyses revealed that perceived barriers, higher benefits than barriers and cues to action predicted of intentions. However, when belief, influence and satisfaction with the experimental information were entered, only cues to action continued to be a significant predictor of intentions.

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