Willingness to be screened and tested for cognitive impairment: cross-cultural comparison.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose was to describe (a) individuals' reasons for participating in cognitive screening and (b) reasons to pursue testing after screening across 4 ethnic groups: African American, Afro-Caribbean, European American, and Hispanic American.


METHODS
Prior to memory screening, 119 adults were interviewed regarding their thoughts about memory screening and follow-up testing. Interviews were coded and differences between ethnic groups were compared.


RESULTS
More African Americans and European Americans were concerned about their memory. More Hispanic Americans planned to seek professional help if needed. Hispanic Americans were most optimistic about treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Future research is needed to better understand cultural factors that influence older adults' willingness to be screened for cognitive impairment and to pursue follow-up testing when recommended.
Williams
Christine L
CL
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA. cwill154@fau.edu
Tappen
Ruth M
RM
Rosselli
Monica
M
Keane
Florence
F
Newlin
Kelley
K
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D017691:Caribbean Region / Q000208:ethnology; D003071:Cognition; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000208:ethnology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology*; D008568:Memory; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*