影響台灣社區中高齡及高齡者失智識能之預測因子

隨著人口高齡化加速，慢性病與失智症盛行率同步上升，提升中高齡及高齡者之失智識能，已成為促進早期預防與延緩病程的重要策略；然而，台灣民眾對失智症認知仍不足，易導致延誤就醫與照護，增加家庭與社會負擔。 本研究旨在探討臺灣社區中高齡與高齡者之失智識能現況及其預測因子，採用次級資料分析。研究資料取自2023年於臺灣中部地區執行之「運用移動醫療版失智識能教育介入於臺灣社區之成效」研究計畫。研究對象為透過便利取樣招募之165人社區中高齡與高齡者，擷取原始研究之基線資料進行統計分析。研究結果顯示，受訪者整體失智識能屬中等程度，平均答對率為 50.85%。在人口學變項中，年齡（β=-.31，p=.001）與教育程度（β=.29，p=.015）為影響台灣社區中高齡及高齡者失智識能之主要預測因子。本研究整體迴歸模型具有顯著解釋力（F=7.92，p<.001），解釋力R²達26.3%，顯示研究所選取之變項能有效解釋失智識能。 建議未來將失智防治健康教育介入納入高齡健康促進策略中，針對高齡與低教育程度族群進行規劃，以提升民眾及家庭照顧者對失智症早期危險因子之辨識能力，進而促進高齡者之生活品質。

As the population ages, enhancing dementia literacy among middle-aged and older adults is crucial for early prevention and delaying disease progression; however, limited awareness in Taiwan often results in delayed diagnosis and increased family and societal burdens. This study investigated the predictors of dementia literacy among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults using secondary data analysis. Data were obtained from the 2023 research project, “The Effectiveness of Mobile Health Dementia Literacy Education Intervention in a Taiwanese Community,” conducted in central Taiwan. A total of 165 participants were recruited through convenience sampling, and baseline data were analyzed. Results indicated that overall dementia literacy was moderate, with an average correct response rate of 50.85%. Age (β = −.31, p = .001) and educational level (β = .29, p = .015) emerged as significant predictors. The regression model demonstrated significant explanatory power (F = 7.92, p < .001), accounting for 26.3% of the variance in dementia literacy. These findings suggest that dementia prevention education should be integrated into health promotion strategies, with targeted interventions for older adults and those with lower educational levels to enhance early risk recognition and improve quality of life for older adults and their caregivers.