title: Correlates of dementia attitudes in a sample of middle-aged Australian adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine sociodemographic factors associated with attitudes regarding dementia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional, convenience sample of 616 adults aged 40-65 years completed an online survey examining sociodemographic factors and dementia attitudes. The associations between sociodemographic variables and dementia attitudes were examined using general linear modelling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four attitudinal factors were identified. Three were associated with negative attitudes (Personal Avoidance, Fear of Labelling and Fear of Discrimination) and one with more positive attitudes (Person Centredness). Demographic factors (e.g. age, sex, education) were significantly associated with some attitudinal factors. For example, men (P = 0.001) and individuals with lower education levels (P = 0.03) had higher scores on the Personal Avoidance factor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study is the first to examine correlates of attitudes towards dementia in an Australian sample. Future research could improve understanding of distinct factors associated with dementia and lead to strategies to reduce stigmatised views of people with dementia in the community.
authors: Centre for Health Initiatives, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Lyn
authors: L
authors: Phillipson
authors: Christopher A
authors: CA
authors: Magee
authors: Sandra C
authors: SC
authors: Jones
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: Skladzien
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D011639:Public Opinion; D012737:Sex Factors; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: attitude; dementia; demographic factors; social stigma