Beneficial and Impeding Factors for the Implementation of Health-Promoting Lifestyle Interventions-A Gender-Specific Focus Group Study.

Abstract

(1) Background: The prevalence of dementia increases and so does the number of interventions that address modifiable risk factors for dementia. Recent evidence suggests that there are gender differences in the prevalence of those lifestyle factors as well as in the effectiveness of interventions. This study aims to identify differences in factors that benefit or hinder the effectiveness of interventions since a target group's perspective gets more relevant. (2) Methods: Two focus groups, a female (n = 11) and a male (n = 8) group, were interviewed, audio recorded and transcribed. Qualitative analyses were performed and main- and subcategories were identified. (3) Results: Main differences were observed including aspects of lifestyle changes (e.g., respective diet and importance of an active lifestyle) and gender-typical behavior and perception by relevant healthcare actors. (4) Conclusions: Identified differences might help to address and raise the efficiency of lifestyle interventions. Further, the importance of social aspects and retirement as an auspicious moment to start interventions were identified as relevant by study participants.