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Article
Beliefs About Promoting Cognitive Health Among Filipino Americans Who Care For Persons With Dementia
International Journal Of Aging & Human Development
  • Sarah B. Laditka, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • Winston Tseng, University of California - Berkeley
  • Anna E. Greer, Sacred Heart University
  • Susan L. Ivey, University of California - Berkeley
  • Daniela B. Friedman, University of South Carolina - Columbia
  • Rui Liu, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
  • Bei Wu
  • Rebecca G. Logsdon
  • Renée L. Beard, College of the Holy Cross
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
1-1-2012
Program
Exercise Science
Abstract

We examined beliefs about promoting cognitive health among Filipino Americans who care for persons with dementia, their awareness of media information about cognitive health, and their suggestions for communicating such information to other caregivers. We conducted three focus groups (25 participants). The constant comparison method compared themes across focus groups. Caregivers most frequently described cognitive health benefits of social engagement and leisure; next in emphasis were benefits of healthy diets. There was less emphasis on physical activity. Participants had heard from television that avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs might promote cognitive health. Ways to inform others about cognitive health included information in Filipino newspapers, and handouts in Filipino languages, distributed in Filipino stores, workplaces, community organizations, and health care facilities. Findings suggest an opportunity to develop public health messages promoting cognitive health that are in-language, published in ethnic-specific media, and that are culturally appropriate for Filipino and other Asian Americans.

DOI
10.2190/AG.75.3.d
PMID
23350346
Pages
273-296
Citation Information

Laditka, S.B.,Tseng, W., Price, A., Ivey, S.L., Friedman, D.B., Liu, R., Wu, B. ...Beard, R.L. (2012). Beliefs about promoting cognitive health among Filipino Americans who care for persons with dementia. International Journal Of Aging & Human Development 75(3), 273-296. doi: 10.2190/AG.75.3.d