Assessment of dementia knowledge, attitudes, and risk awareness among outpatients in Eskişehir

Abstract Background Dementia is a major public health issue due to its global prevalence, economic burden, and modifiable risk factors. Knowledge of dementia and its risk factors, along with individual attitudes, can influence access to care and quality of life. This study aimed to assess dementia-related knowledge, attitudes, and risk awareness among outpatients. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 7-11 April 2025 in Eskişehir, Türkiye, among 414 outpatients and relatives at a university hospital. A questionnaire included sociodemographics, the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS), the Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS), and 14 modifiable risk factors. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U, Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression. Results The age of participants was 40.1±14.4 years (median=39.0), and 44.2% were male. While 36.5% reported knowing someone diagnosed with dementia, 23.9% stated they had received dementia-related information in the past year. A total of 43.2% correctly identified five(mean) or more risk factors, with traumatic brain injury being the most recognized(14.4%). The number of known risk factors was positively correlated with attitude scores(r = 0.167;p=0.001). In the multiple linear regression analysis, being female, younger age, having a university or higher education level, and knowing a relative with dementia were associated with higher attitude scores[B = 2.2(95%CI=0.72-4.50); 3.0(0.61-5.55); 2.5(0.17-4.88); 7.7(5.20-10.35), respectively]. An increase in DKAS scores was also significantly associated with higher DAS scores[B = 0.2(0.02-0.42)]. Conclusions About one-third of participants reported knowing someone with dementia and receiving related information in the past year. Awareness of modifiable risk factors, which act years before dementia onset, was linked to more positive attitudes. Promoting this awareness may support prevention and benefit public health. Key messages • Community-based education and awareness efforts on dementia and its modifiable risk factors may foster more positive attitudes and preventive health behaviors. • Focusing on men, adults over 30, those with lower education, and without a relative diagnosed with dementia may enhance intervention effectiveness.