1. Barriers to help-seeking for memory problems in older adults
- Author
-
Ann Pearman
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Hearing loss ,Convenience sample ,Help-seeking ,Memory complaints ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Hearing ,Hearing problems ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Health care ,medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Hearing Loss ,Aged ,Memory Disorders ,business.industry ,Patient Acceptance of Health Care ,Memory problems ,Outreach ,Mood ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Family medicine ,Barriers to care ,medicine.symptom ,business ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Research Paper - Abstract
Key summary points Aim The aim of this study was to investigate potential barriers to help-seeking for memory problems as well as outreach to providers. Findings Participants who endorsed having hearing problems were the most likely to endorse barriers to help-seeking as well as speaking to a physician. Message Physicians and healthcare agencies can work to design outreach for persons who experience barriers, particularly hearing loss., Purpose Early detection of age- and disease-related cognitive problems affords patients the opportunities to receive medical treatment, engage in research, and plan for the future. Understanding help-seeking behavior has potential to aid both patients and clinicians. This study was designed to identify predictors of endorsed barriers to memory-related help-seeking as well as medical help-seeking endorsement. Methods This cross-sectional correlational study used a convenience sample of 97 older adults. The participants answered anonymous questionnaires about subjective memory, mood, and health and several items designed to investigate help-seeking for memory issues. Results Persons who endorsed multiple barriers to help-seeking were more likely to also endorse having hearing problems. In addition, participants who reported that they would not talk to a doctor or physician about memory concerns also had significantly worse subjective hearing. Conclusion Hearing loss may be a particular risk for not seeking help for memory problems. Physicians and healthcare agencies can work to design outreach for persons who experience barriers, such as hearing loss and the concomitant outcomes.
- Published
- 2020