Knowledge and beliefs about help-seeking behavior and helpfulness of interventions for Alzheimer's disease.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the lay public's attitudes toward help seeking and preferences for treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil.


METHODS
Cross-sectional population-based random sample of 500 household residents over 18 years old participated in face-to-face interviews in Sao Paulo, which included a case vignette depicting AD and a structured questionnaire.


RESULTS
Public opinion rests firmly in the lay support system. Psychologists and self-help groups and close relatives were often rated as helpful. Many alternative treatments (such as vitamins, physical exercise, vacation) were often rated as helpful. Limited education, younger age and experience with psychiatric problems are associated with the 'medical' intervention model. Female sex and middle age are associated with 'alternative' interventions.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that attitudes and belief systems have an important impact on help-seeking and treatment recommendations.
Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Sao Paulo, UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, Brazil. blay@uol.com.br
Sergio L
SL
Blay
Ariane
A
Furtado
Erica T P
ET
Peluso
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D001938:Brazil; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011639:Public Opinion; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D055815:Young Adult