Clinical Research Directory

The Effect of Health Belief Model-Based Education on Knowledge and Behavioral Changes Regarding Dementia in Older Adults

While age is one of the strongest known risk factors for the onset of dementia, dementia is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Several modifiable risk factors, such as physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, depression, and social isolation, increase the risk of developing dementia (WHO, 2025). Positive health beliefs and attitudes toward preventing or reducing the risk of dementia can encourage individuals to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors (Vrijsen et al., 2021). Many studies in the literature have investigated the effects of lifestyle interventions on dementia prevention and reported that adhering to a healthy lifestyle can improve cognitive function and reduce or delay the risk of dementia (An et al., 2025; Siette 2023; Lee et al., 2022). The Health Belief Model argues that individuals' health behaviors are influenced by their beliefs, values, and attitudes (Gözüm \& Çapık, 2014). Considering individuals' beliefs and attitudes towards health, the education and treatment offered can be tailored to the individual and their benefit can be ensured (Gözüm \& Çapık, 2014; Li et al., 2022). Within the framework of the Health Belief Model, it has been stated that reducing the perceived barriers in individuals in the intervention process aimed at preventing dementia is a fundamental factor in strengthening their beliefs about dementia prevention and encouraging the development of healthy behavioral habits (Li et al., 2022). Therefore, it is thought that Health Belief Model-based education applied to the elderly may have an effect on individuals' level of knowledge about dementia and their motivation to change behaviors to reduce the risk of dementia.

SAFER Karachi - A Fall Prevention Intervention

The goal of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term effects of a culturally adapted and strengthened fall prevention program in older adults aged 60 years and above living in urban Karachi, Pakistan. The study aims to understand whether a structured, community-based intervention can improve mobility, confidence, and overall well-being, while reducing the risk of falls. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is the adapted and strengthened fall prevention program feasible and acceptable for older adults in Karachi? 2. Does participation in the program improve mobility, balance, fall-related self-efficacy, and emotional well-being among participants? Participants will: 1. Take part in a 7-week group-based fall prevention program that includes strength and balance exercises, home safety education, medication awareness, and behavioural strategies 2. Receive a follow-up home visit to reinforce safety practices and environmental modifications 3. Attend a booster session after 3 months to support continued engagement 4. Complete assessments at baseline and follow-up, including mobility, cognitive function, quality of life, and emotional well-being 5. Maintain monthly fall logs to report any fall incidents during the study period

Life Monitoring for Rural Older Adults

Aging is a biological process that is accompanied by a progressive deterioration of physical and mental abilities and leads to an increased risk of disease. In 2023, Spain will reach an all-time high aging rate of 137.7% due to the low birth rate and increasing life expectancy. In Castilla y León, 47.57% of the population lives in municipalities with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants. This percentage has decreased over the last 10 years, reflecting a clear trend towards rural exodus, and this population loss requires the development of specific measures. Spanish Law 45/2007 includes as one of its objectives the promotion of quality social services and the guarantee of access to public services for older adults. However, geographical dispersion limits the effective implementation of these services. Although Castilla y León has a good network of local clinics, medical care in many municipalities is outpatient and limited to a weekly consultation. This low frequency of face-to-face care hinders the early detection of diseases, leads to a greater number of avoidable hospitalizations and contributes to older adults isolation. Faced with this reality, the VIVIR (Integrated Monitoring for Independent Living in Rural Settings) project proposes the implementation of an innovative system for the continuous monitoring of the health status of the elderly through an advanced comprehensive assessment kit. This kit will include instruments such as electrocardiogram, blood pressure measurement, manual grip strength, assessment of physical and emotional functions, spirometry, body composition and nutritional assessment.