Factors associated with dementia attitudes in an adolescent cohort: structural equation modelling

Dementia-related stigma is a key barrier to people living well with dementia, leading social isolation and poor well-being. Adolescents represent an under-researched group that will become future carers healthcare workers for the estimated 83.2 million who be dementia by 2030. Understanding factors involved in attitude formation adolescents useful development of evidence-based anti-stigma initiatives. This study aims identify predictors attitudes adolescents. cross-sectional using secondary data analysis. 470 participants aged 12–15 years old from schools Southeast England, United Kingdom completed validated questionnaires relating (KIDS Brief A-ADS) as demographic information. Multiple regressions were employed path analysis via structural equation model test direct mediatory effects. regression models revealed being female, having higher levels contact empathy are positively associated (p<0.05). Within accepted model, was mediator between attitudes. highlights pivotal role can have influencing serving Interventions use should consider how stimulate empathetic responses ultimately shape