Abstract
Purpose: This study was a descriptive study to identify the factors affecting the dementia prevention behavior of elders in rural communities. Methods: The participants in this study were 125 elders aged 60 or older who lived in Eup or Myeon areas of P city. For data analysis, SPSS/WIN 22.0 was used to perform descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and linear multiple regression and mediated effects. Results: Scores for dementia recognition, dementia attitude and dementia prevention behavior averaged 5.6±2.50 points in the 0~11 range, 38.8±4.59 in 14~56 and 20.2±3.59 in 10~30 respectively. Dementia recognition (a), dementia attitude (b), dementia prevention behavior (c) and the number of chronic diseases of the elders (d) were positively or negatively correlated with each other (rab=.29, p<.01; rbc=.26, p<.01; rac=.36, p<.01; rad=-.29, p<.01; rcd=.19, p<.05). Factors affecting dementia prevention behavior were dementia recognition, dementia attitude, and degree of dementia interest. When the number of chronic diseases affects dementia prevention behavior, dementia recognition has a mediating effect. Conclusion: In order to prevent dementia among elders in rural areas, appropriate management of chronic diseases and provision of appropriate dementia-related education and information to enhance dementia recognition should be provided.