Perceptions of Dementia Threats and Related Advance Care Planning among Adults in Central Vietnam

Abstract

Understanding dementia beliefs among Vietnamese people is crucial for the development of evidence-based interventions to promote positive help-seeking behaviors when facing the risk of dementia for themselves and their relatives. This study aims to examine the perceived dementia threats to oneself and relatives, and the perceived importance of advance dementia care planning among adults in the Central region of Vietnam, as well as their associated factors. A total of 300 adults, aged from 18 to 59 years, agreed to participate in the study. They were interviewed using a printed questionnaire at home. Results show that the perceived dementia threat to themselves was associated with their employment status, anxiety about aging, knowing someone with dementia, and dementia knowledge. On the other hand, religiosity, income, and worrying about getting dementia in the future significantly contributed to the perceived threat of dementia to their relatives. The perceived importance of advance care planning for dementia was significantly predicted by age, religiosity, dementia knowledge, and perceived threat of dementia to themselves.

Received: 28^th July, 2025; Revised: 2^nd October, 2025; Accepted: 10^th April, 2026