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.

Efficacy Of Web-based Breastfeeding Education

Breastfeeding is the safest and healthiest method of feeding an infant and positively affects the health of both the mother and the baby in the short and long term. Breastfeeding self-efficacy refers to the mother's perceived ability and self-confidence to breastfeed her baby. Studies have reported that web-based support programs increase the quality of life in individuals, are useful in symptom management, and are effective in raising awareness on the subjects intended to provide support and in gaining positive attitudes and behaviors. Today, web-based support programs are created thanks to advances in science and technology; It has advantages such as being cheap, easily accessible, not causing any harm when done under control, providing flexibility in the participant's use of time, and accessing the training content whenever needed. Due to the pandemic process, the investigators are in and with the effect of developing technology, training is provided for the needs of individuals by using many alternative education methods such as web-based education and distance education in the field of health, as in many areas. Studies have reported that web-based support programs increase the quality of life in individuals, are useful in symptom management, and are effective in raising awareness on the subjects intended to provide support and in gaining positive attitudes and behaviors. The study is planned to be carried out between 01.01.2023 and 31.07.2024 in the Family Health Centers affiliated with the Taşköprü District Health Directorate of Kastamonu. The study universe consists of 24-36 weeks pregnant women who come to the Family Health Centers of the Taşköprü District Health Directorate. The sample of the study consisted of 90 primiparous pregnant women, 45 of whom were in the control and 45 in the experimental group, who met the inclusion criteria. Data collection tools will be applied to women at pregnancy, postpartum 7th day, PP in the 3rd month, and PP in the 6th month. Appropriate methods will be used in the evaluation of the data. The significance level will be determined as α=0.05.