Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Motivation to Change Lifestyle and Health Behaviors for Dementia Risk Reduction scale (MCLHB-DRR) in Chinese community-dwelling older adults

OBJECTIVES

To assess the psychometric properties of Chinese version of Motivation to Change Lifestyle and Health Behaviors for Dementia Risk Reduction (MCLHB-DRR) scale in Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 150 Chinese adults aged ≥50 was recruited from local community facilities. Reliability of MCLHB-DRR was evaluated using internal consistency and test-retest reliability over two weeks. Content validity and construct validity were assessed. Translation process followed Brislin's translation model.

RESULTS

After excluding two items with poor loadings, the confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good model fit (χ2/df=2.14; CFI=0.91; IFI=0.91; RMSEA=0.087). The scale exhibited good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.865), as well as acceptable test-retest reliability (ICC=0.730).

CONCLUSIONS

The Chinese MCLHB-DRR showed satisfactory psychometric properties, providing valuable insights for promoting dementia risk reduction in Chinese population, considering cultural nuances that shape motivations and knowledge of lifestyle changes.

Food preferences of middle aged and elderly subjects in a Brazilian city

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to assess data on the consumption frequency of some food items and the places they are purchased, especially by adults and elderly subjects, and finally to determine their food preference using cluster and correspondence analyses as a diagnosis and prevention factor.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Town of Serranópolis do Iguaçú, State of Paraná, Brazil, city with 4,854 inhabitants of which 22% are over 50 years old.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred and ninety five randomly selected subjects (96 men and 199 women), between 51 and 91 years old.

MEASUREMENTS

A socio-demographic and food frequency questionnaire was applied via home visits including questions on socioeconomic, anthopometric and health characteristics concerning the consumption frequency of 45 food items and the places they were purchased, using a five point category scale to obtain consumption data as well. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the Quetelet Index and compared with the World Health Organization Report Consultation on obesity. The cluster and correspondence statistical analysis were used to determine their food preference.

RESULTS

From the correspondence mapping (which explained 89.1 % of the variance), it was possible to determine aspects regarding the non-consumption of instant soups, frozen vegetables, cookies, crystallized fruits, canned fruit, distilled drinks and beer.

CONCLUSIONS

The dimensional representation structure demonstrated that the population of Serranópolis, who were 62 % overweight, preferred high fat content products, suggesting a reevaluation of their eating habits in the expectation of preventing non transmissible chronic diseases. The value given to farm production in Serranópolis do Iguaçú was also observed.

Body mass index knowledge of older adults and motivation to change

Worldwide, 1.6 billion adults are overweight and 400 million are obese. For older adults, being in these categories exacerbates multiple chronic diseases and leads to frailty. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge of older adults in Ireland and the USA about their body mass index (BMI) category and motivation to change. A quantitative descriptive research design was used in the study. Two convenience samples of community-dwelling older adults, one in Ireland (n=70) and one in the USA (n=70) participated in the study. Data was collected in the form of questionnaires and BMI was calculated. This study found that fewer Irish participants knew their BMI category. In both groups, measured BMI differed greatly from self-perceived BMI. These findings suggest that older adults are unaware of their weight status and therefore do not know that they are in a BMI category with multiple health consequences.