Gender differences in views about cognitive health and healthy lifestyle behaviors among rural older adults.
OBJECTIVE
Research suggests that men and women often differ in knowledge and beliefs about causes and treatments of a variety of diseases. This study examines gender differences in views about cognitive health and behaviors that have been associated with its maintenance, focusing on older adults living in rural areas.


METHODS
We conducted 6 focus groups in rural West Virginia. Participants included 37 women and 30 men, aged 55 years and older.


RESULTS
Men and women held similar views of cognitive decline, as well as largely similar views about causes of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, women were more concerned about developing AD than were men. Gender differences were also noted with respect to healthy lifestyle beliefs, including diet, leisure-time physical activity, and strategies to maintain cognitive health.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings illustrate the importance of considering gender with respect to health beliefs, health behaviors, and health promotion, and emphasize the need to develop interventions designed for specific populations. Results highlight a critical need to translate research findings to the community.
Wu
Bei
B
Gerontology Program, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 214 Mclver Building, PO Box 26170, USA. b_wu@ungc.edu
Goins
R Turner
RT
Laditka
James N
JN
Ignatenko
Valerie
V
Goedereis
Eric
E
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014903:West Virginia