Consumption of omega-3 supplements to prevent Alzheimer's disease based on Health Belief Model in the elderly

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common of dementia characterized by the gradual decrease of mental ability and behavioral disorders. AD threatens the health of 5%-10% of people over 65 years old. Studies have also suggested the consumption containing omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) may be a strategy to prevent the disease. The current study aimed at determining the predictors of the omega-3 supplementation to prevent AD based on constructs of Health Belief Model in the elderly. In the current cross-sectional study, 333 elderly patients referring to health centers in Tehran from 2015 to 2016 were selected by the stratified random sampling method. The inclusion criteria were age over 60 years old without AD and signing the informed consent form. Data were collected by a questionnaire developed based on Health Belief Model constructs after determining its validity and reliability. The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS-18 software and statistical tests, including logistic regression analysis, Chi-square, and independent-samples t-tests. The highest calculated mean belonged to the perceived susceptibility construct (%40.4) followed by knowledge (%30.6). The mean omega-3 consumption among the samples was (%27.6.) The lowest mean belonged to the perceived barriers construct indicating that the construct cannot be an obstacle to consume omega-3 supplementation. According to the results of the current study and the mean omega-3 consumption at low and the moderate levels of knowledge in the elderly, it was suggested to design and implement educational interventions based on the Health Belief Model for the elderly in order to prevent AD.