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.

Healthy Older Adults Through Movement and Engagement

The HOME Project evaluates the effects of structured health dialogues with individuals aged 67-84 years in the municipality of Borgholm, Sweden. A combination of registry data and survey responses will be used to monitor quality of life, morbidity, healthcare needs, and lifestyle factors over a six-year period. Outcomes will be compared between randomized groups within Borgholm municipality and a matched control group from seven other municipalities in Region Kalmar. The project also includes an analysis of cost-effectiveness and the reach of the intervention. A qualitative interview study will explore participants' perceptions of their health, their motivations for health improvement, and their experiences of how the health dialogues may influence these aspects. In a substudy, machine learning models will be developed to predict functional decline and high healthcare needs among older adults. These models will be validated against established risk assessment tools such as the Adjusted Clinical Groups (ACG) system and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Digital motion analysis using Skeleton Avatar Technology will be employed both independently and in combination with other variables to support model development.

Implementing Online Mental Health Program

This study evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of MINDxYOU, a self-guided online psychotherapy program designed to reduce stress and improve the mental well-being of healthcare professionals in the Andalusian public health system. The trial uses a hybrid type 3 effectiveness-implementation design, combining the evaluation of implementation outcomes with observation of clinical effects on stress, anxiety, and depression. The intervention includes mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance-based practices delivered in four online modules over eight weeks. The study will be conducted in two phases: an initial hospital-based pilot and a broader rollout across primary care and hospital centers. Results will help identify how digital mental health interventions can be integrated into routine healthcare settings to support professionals working under high stress.

Talking for Change: Secondary Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse Perpetration

The goal of this patient preference randomized controlled trial is to investigate the efficacy of Talking for Change (TFC), an intervention for the secondary prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSA) perpetration. Blinded clinical raters will evaluate the primary endpoint-reductions in dynamic risk factors for sexual offending against children-and clients will provide self-reports to evaluate a second primary outcome-reductions in sexual contact with children, accessing online child sexual exploitation material (CSEM), and desire for sexual contact with children. Researchers will compare the following groups: (1) those receiving 20 weeks of the experimental TFC group psychotherapy; (2) those receiving 20 weeks of a control group psychotherapy targeting mental health and stress more broadly; and (3) those receiving no treatment.