As dementia becomes a major health concern, developing a quick and accurate diagnostic tool is crucial for early detection and intervention in resource-limited settings. This paper aims to validate the short 10/66 algorithm against the clinical diagnosis of dementia in a sample of older adults in Lebanon. This study is a secondary analysis of data from the Lebanese validation of the standard 10/66 dementia assessment, evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of the Arabic short 10/66 algorithm against a clinical reference standard. 231 participants aged 65 + were recruited from institutions and their dwellings, including geriatric clinics and community-based primary care centers. Clinical dementia diagnosis followed DSM-IV criteria. The final sample included 88 cases (diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia) and 143 controls. The short algorithm used is derived from the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia, the CERAD 10-word list recall and the Euro-D. The psychometric parameters of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV), false positive rate (FPR), and area under the curve (AUC) were estimated for the short 10/66 algorithm and its subcomponents. Compared to clinical diagnosis, the short 10/66 showed high specificity (95.1%), good sensitivity (79.5%), excellent PPV (90.9%), high NPV (88.3%), low FPR (4.9%), and substantial agreement between the two (AUC = 0.97, kappa = 0.765). The short 10/66 is accurate and feasible for the diagnosis of dementia in the older Lebanese population, offering a practical tool with a lower time requirement that is adaptable to different literacy levels. Interpretation of predictive values should consider the enriched sampling design, and performance should be further assessed in lower prevalence community settings.

BackgroundAdopting effective and adaptable coping strategies can help reduce the distress associated with the caregiving burden. Studies assessing coping strategies among caregivers of older adults in the Arab world remain limited. This study aims to assess the coping strategies employed by caregivers of older adults in Lebanon, investigate factors associated with these coping mechanisms, and examine whether social support mediates the relationship between psychological distress and coping amid Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 544 caregivers of community-dwelling older adults participated. Data were collected online via Google Forms and included several instruments: a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory Scale, the Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living, the Autonomy in Daily Functioning-Contemporary Scale, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Generalized linear models were used to identify factors associated with different coping strategies.ResultsCaregivers primarily relied on problem-focused coping strategies to manage stress, with an average score of 5.73 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.22). Among the various coping methods, religious coping was the most frequently used, with a mean score of 6.82 (SD = 1.50), while substance use was the least commonly adopted, scoring an average of 2.57 (SD = 1.24). Higher household income was significantly associated with greater use of problem-focused coping (B = 0.352; p-value = 0.003). Additionally, higher educational attainment was linked to increased use of problem-focused (B = 0.240; p-value = 0.044) and emotion-focused coping strategies (B = 0.284; p-value = 0.024). Psychological distress was inversely related to emotion-focused and problem-focused coping but showed a positive correlation with avoidance coping. Social support was positively correlated with both emotion-focused coping (B = 0.881; p-value < 0.001) and problem-focused coping (B = 1.005; p-value < 0.001) and partially mediated the association between coping methods and psychological distress.ConclusionLebanese caregivers primarily rely on adaptive coping strategies to manage ongoing difficulties and rarely resort to maladaptive approaches. The findings emphasize the need for caregiver support initiatives that are culturally relevant and psychologically supportive, acknowledging the significant influence of socioeconomic status, psychological distress, and social support on coping behaviors.

BackgroundThe global population is aging, increasing demand for informal caregivers. In Lebanon – where caregiving is primarily family-based due to cultural norms and limited institutional care –research on caregiver burden and mental health is limited.AimsThis study provides the first community based, multi-governorate evidence from Lebanon quantifying caregiver burden, examining its association with mental health and exploring gender differences in an under-researched Arab sociocultural setting.MethodData based on two cross-sectional studies (2013–2017) across three governorates. Among 739 informants of older adults, 144 informal caregivers providing occasional or frequent care were analyzed. Caregiver burden and mental health measured using validated tools (Zarit burden interview and self-reporting questionnaire). Bivariate and logistic regression analyses identified correlates and quantified the burden-mental health association.ResultsOf the 144 caregivers, 10% (n = 14) reported caregiver burden and 19% (n = 27) experienced mental health disorders. Caregiver burden was strongly and directionally associated with worse mental health (OR = 17, 95% CI = 4–74; p < 0.001). Being female, living with care-recipient, providing hands-on care, and caring for someone who requires assistance most of the time significantly increased burden. All burdened caregivers were female.ConclusionThis community-based study provides new insight into caregiver burden and mental health in Lebanon. Caregiver burden in Lebanon appears low but may be under-reported due to cultural norms. When present, burden is strongly linked to poorer mental health, particularly among women. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory signals that align with global literature and highlight the need for culturally sensitive, gender-responsive caregiver support and mental health services. Results can inform policy and future research in Lebanon and similar Arab contexts.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12982-026-01466-4.

BackgroundThis paper describes the design and cohort profile of the Lebanon Study on Aging and HeAlth (LSAHA), the first population-level study of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) in an Arab country. The burden due to ADRD in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is among the highest in the world, but reliable population-level data on ADRD in the region are lacking. Older adults in Lebanon have experienced prolonged periods of social and economic instability due to political conflicts and chronic government mismanagement. The effects of these destabilizing experiences throughout the life course on ADRD risk and other late-life health outcomes are currently unknown.MethodsLSAHA is designed as a prospective cohort study of ADRD in a large sample of adults aged ≥ 60 years in Lebanon [baseline data presented here]. We employed a probability-based multi-stage sampling design in two pre-selected areas, the city of Beirut and district of Zahle, to represent the full range of urban-rural, socio-economic, and religious diversity in Lebanon. Data collection included a standardized survey questionnaire including validated cognitive tests and anthropometric measurements, a household interview, key informant assessments, and a blood sample. Survey weights were computed to account for differential non-response and calibrated for the age- and sex-distribution in the two study areas.ResultsLSAHA enrolled 3,027 participants, 1,510 from Beirut and 1,517 from Zahle, realizing a response rate of 69%. The average age of the sample was 71.7 years and 55.3% was female, 43.1% had primary education or less, while 19.9% had university training. There was a high prevalence of chronic medical conditions, such as hypertension (57.2%), heart disease (32.4%), and diabetes (32.7%). There was also a high prevalence of moderate/severe symptoms of depression (51.4%) and anxiety (34.1%). A substantial percentage reported fair or poor self-rated memory (52.1%) or having worse memory compared to 2 years ago (38.4%).ConclusionsWe successfully launched a new cohort study of older adults in Lebanon to investigate ADRD and its risk factors. Data from this study will inform clinical care and policy goals in Lebanon and other settings that face a rapidly growing number of older adults with ADRD.

BackgroundSocial networks have been linked to cognitive function in later life, yet few studies have explored their association with specific cognitive domains. Among these, episodic memory, crucial for daily functioning, is particularly vulnerable to aging and early cognitive decline. Existing evidence comes primarily from developed countries, with no studies conducted in the Middle East, where social network structures and dynamics may differ. Gender differences in this association also remain unclear, despite evidence that men and women engage with social networks differently. This study aims to examine the association between social network characteristics and episodic memory in older adults in Lebanon, with a particular focus on gender differences.MethodThe study uses baseline data from 2853 participants aged 59+ from LSAHA, a prospective study of older adults in two areas of Lebanon. The social network measure was characterized by its structure (marital status, size, diversity) and function (perceived emotional social support). Network size included children, relatives, close friends, and neighbors with regular contact, while the number of distinct social relationships measured network diversity. Support was assessed using the emotional support subscale of the Arabic‐validated MOS Social Support Survey. Episodic memory was measured using the CERAD 10‐word immediate recall (sum across three trials). Separate linear regressions were conducted for males and females.ResultMen had larger and more diverse social networks, while women reported greater emotional social support. Greater emotional support was significantly associated with better episodic memory in males (p = 0.02). Among females, larger network size was linked to lower episodic memory scores (p <0.01), whereas being married was associated with better performance (p = 0.013).ConclusionThe results highlight the role of social networks in cognitive aging and suggest that different network measures (structure versus function) may not benefit cognition for men and women in the same way. This emphasizes the need for tailored approaches in cognitive health interventions. Future research should explore the mechanisms driving these gender differences, including variations in social roles, caregiving, and social support utilization. Additionally, studies should examine the role of social networks in other cognitive domains to enhance specificity and provide a more comprehensive understanding of cognitive aging.

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus is rising globally, with most of the burden found in low‐to‐middle income countries (LMIC). Diabetes is linked to cognitive decline, but the biological mechanisms and the role of glycemic control remains unclear. Conflicting results have been reported regarding the most affected cognitive domains and evidence from LMIC remains limited. This study aims to investigate the association between glycemic control and domain‐specific cognitive function among older adults in Lebanon.MethodData were obtained from the Lebanon Study on Aging and HeAlth (LSAHA) (n = 3,027, mean age=70.5±7.9; 37% males), a population‐based, cohort study in urban and rural Lebanon. Older adults (60+) were selected using a multi‐stage, gridded sampling design. Glycemic control was categorized as follows: “No reported diabetes and proper glycemic control” (HbA1c < 6.5%); “reported diabetes and controlled glycemia” (HbA1c < 6.5%) and “poor glycemic control” (HbA1c > 6.5%, regardless of diabetes status). The association between glycemic control and cognitive performance was assessed across the following domains: memory (immediate and delayed recall) with linear and negative binomial regression, respectively; language (animal fluency) with linear regression; executive function (abstraction), orientation (time), and visuospatial (figure drawing) with logistic regression. Models were adjusted for age, gender, education, body mass index, stroke, heart attack, smoking, alcohol use, and depression.ResultAround 62% of participants had no diabetes and proper glycemic control, 12% had diabetes with controlled glycemia, and 26% had poor glycemic control. Only poor glycemic control was significantly associated with a ‐0.59 decrease (95%CI:[‐1.11,‐0.06]) in the immediate recall and an IRR of 0.94 (95%CI:[0.85,0.95]) in the delayed recall. It was also associated with lower odds of performing well in the orientation domain after adjustment (OR=0.71, 95%CI:[0.54,0.95]). No significant associations were found for language, visuospatial, or executive function.ConclusionResults underscore the importance of glycemic control in cognitive performance. Participants with poor glycemic control exhibited marked lower scores in both immediate and delayed memory recall, and were less likely to perform well in orientation tasks. Effective diabetes management, particularly glycemic control, is essential to mitigate cognitive decline in aging populations.

IntroductionIn recent decades, Food Literacy (FL) has gained significant attention in the fields of food and nutrition. It is considered a key determinant of public health and presents a promising approach to addressing health challenges like obesity and environmental sustainability. However, Lebanon currently lacks a validated tool to assess food literacy. In this context, the Short Food Literacy Questionnaire (SFLQ) offers potential for translation and cultural adaptation. Adapting an established tool for use in a new cultural setting enables cross-country comparisons and supports the development of cross-cultural study models. Therefore, this study aims to culturally adapt the SFLQ to assess food literacy among Lebanese adults, enhance their knowledge, and promote healthier lifestyle habits.MethodsA nationally representative sample of 450 adults was selected through probability cluster sampling from the eight Lebanese governorates. The SFLQ was administered between 11 December 2022 and 23 March 2023 to evaluate participants’ food literacy. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted using SPSS AMOS version 30, applying the maximum likelihood estimation method to obtain parameter estimates.ResultsThe average age of the participants was 46.0 years, with women making up 59.0% of the sample. The one-factor model showed an acceptable fit after accounting for correlated residuals between items 4−5, 9−10 and 11−12 (RMSEA = 0.079 (90% CI 0.068, 0.091), SRMR = 0.053, CFI = 0.935, TLI = 0.916). Internal consistency was satisfactory (ω = .86/ α = .86). Measurement invariance across gender was confirmed at the configural, metric and scalar levels. Males had significantly higher average SFLQ scores than females (32.80 ± 7.91 vs 28.76 ± 9.26; p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.486). A significant negative correlation was observed between SFLQ and Household Food Insecurity Access scores (r = −0.28; p < 0.001).ConclusionThe SFLQ demonstrated strong internal consistency, indicating that it is a reliable tool for both research and clinical use. Expanding validation efforts to include a broader Arabic-speaking population, particularly individuals without internet access, would further strengthen the tool’s applicability and cultural relevance across diverse contexts in the Arab world.

BackgroundThis paper describes the design and cohort profile of the Lebanon Study on Aging and HeAlth (LSAHA), the first population-level study of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) in an Arab country. The burden due to ADRD in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is among the highest in the world, but reliable population-level data on ADRD in the region are lacking. Older adults in Lebanon have experienced prolonged periods of social and economic instability due to political conflicts and chronic government mismanagement. The effects of these destabilizing experiences throughout the life course on ADRD risk and other late-life health outcomes are currently unknown.MethodsLSAHA is designed as a prospective cohort study of ADRD in a large sample of adults aged ≥ 60 years in Lebanon. We employed a probability-based multi-stage sampling design in two pre-selected areas, the city of Beirut and district of Zahle, to represent the full range of urban-rural, socio-economic, and religious diversity in Lebanon. Data collection included a standardized survey questionnaire including validated cognitive tests and anthropometric measurements, a household interview, key informant assessments, and a blood sample. Survey weights were computed to account for differential non-response and calibrated for the age- and sex-distribution in the two study areas.ResultsLSAHA enrolled 3,027 participants, 1,510 from Beirut and 1,517 from Zahle, realizing a response rate of 69%. The average age of the sample was 71.7 years and 55.3% was female, 43.1% had primary education or less, while 19.9% had university training. There was a high prevalence of chronic medical conditions, such as hypertension (57.2%), heart disease (32.4%), and diabetes (32.7%). There was also a high prevalence of moderate/severe symptoms of depression (51.4%) and anxiety (34.1%). A substantial percentage reported fair or poor self-rated memory (52.1%) or having worse memory compared to 2 years ago (38.4%).ConclusionsWe successfully launched a new cohort study of older adults in Lebanon to investigate ADRD and its risk factors. Data from this study will inform clinical care and policy goals in Lebanon and other settings that face a rapidly growing number of older adults with ADRD.

This study aims to develop and validate the Personal Safety Perception Scale (PSPS-26) as a wide-spectrum tool to capture the multidimensional construct of perceived personal safety. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1228 adults in Lebanon using an online survey. The PSPS-26 was developed through a modified Delphi technique and literature review, followed by expert consensus. The final 26-item scale was administered alongside validated measures of stress (PSQ-30), financial well-being (IFDFW), and health status (EQ-5D-5L). Construct validity was assessed using principal component analysis with Promax rotation, and reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to examine the associations between perceived safety and sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors. The PSPS-26 was validated with five factors: "Fear of Crime", "Safety Confidence", "Feeling Safe", "Neighborhood Walkability", and "Safety at Night", showing strong reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.835). Higher stress significantly associated with lower overall safety perception (Beta = - 0.158), especially in safety confidence (Beta = - 0.068) and safety at night (Beta = - 0.062). Enhanced health well-being significantly improved overall safety perception (Beta = 0.058) and feeling safe (Beta = 0.028). Financial well-being was positively and significantly correlated to overall safety perception (Beta = 0.204) and dimensions of fear of crime (Beta = 0.133), safety confidence (Beta = 0.033), and feeling safe (Beta = 0.035). Other significant factors included gender, health insurance coverage, access to healthcare, employment, education, residence area, and marital status. The PSPS-26 is a reliable and valid tool for assessing multidimensional personal safety perception. Its association with stress, health, and financial well-being underscores the importance of integrating psychological and socioeconomic factors into safety-related public health and policy strategies.

Our study aims to describe the extent of caregiver burden and its associated factors among family caregivers of community-dwelling older adults in Lebanon in the context of multiple crises. During May–June 2024, a quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out in Lebanon involving 544 caregivers of older adults. Participants were recruited online via various social media platforms. Measures of the caregiving burden and related concepts were executed using validated scales and reports related to the care recipient’s situation. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to investigate factors associated with caregiver burden. The findings showed that most caregivers were females with lower education levels and facing financial difficulties. Among the participants, 28% reported a severe caregiving burden, 19% a moderate burden, and 24% a mild burden. The burden of caregiving was higher when the care recipient was financially dependent on the caregiver, had dementia or chronic musculoskeletal (reduced mobility) conditions, and was not able to socially integrate. The burden was also higher when the caregiver was older, lived in a remote region, was a part-time worker, had financial distress, provided care for a longer period, used maladaptive coping strategies, had no assistance, and received lower social support. This study showed that the financial difficulties of both the caregiver and the care recipient added to the usual burden of caregiving in the Lebanese context. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and support systems to alleviate the burden on family caregivers in Lebanon, especially given the country’s rapidly aging population, the difficult multifaceted crisis, and the limited availability of formal care services.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected countries globally, causing significant respiratory tract symptoms, including shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing. Vitamin D has been proposed to play a key role, especially in upper respiratory tract infections. Recently, numerous studies and reports associating low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (s-25-(OH)D) and adverse outcomes in COVID-19 have emerged. We aimed to assess the association between vitamin D status and SARS-CoV-2 positivity among adults in Lebanon. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted, recruiting 384 participants aged 18–75 years from a university hospital in South Lebanon. Background variables were collected through structured questionnaires. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and SARS-CoV-2 positivity was assessed through PCR testing. Results: The mean s-25(OH)D level was 46.8 nmol/L (SD 28.1), and 30% of the participants had vitamin D deficiency (s-25-(OH)D level &lt;30 nmol/L). SARS-CoV-2 positivity was reported in 28% of participants. However, no significant association was found between s-25(OH)D levels and SARS-CoV-2 positivity. This study had several limitations, including potential selection bias due to recruiting participants from a hospital for PCR testing, the collection of data across different seasons, and the refusal of several eligible individuals to participate. Additionally, the lack of data on participants’ immunization status and assay variability may impact the generalizability and interpretation of the findings. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among adults participating in COVID-19 tests in Lebanon, but it was not associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity.

The mental health crisis among young adults in Lebanon, worsened by events like the Beirut Blast and economic instability, requires urgent attention. Globally, 10%-20% of individuals aged 18-29 face mental health challenges, with many also experiencing physical pain. Despite growing evidence of the bidirectional relationship between mental health and pain, this intersection remains underexplored in Lebanon, especially compared to WEIRD countries. This scoping review examines the relationship between physical pain and mental health issues-anxiety, depression, and stress-among Lebanese youth. A systematic review of studies from January 2014 to February 2024 was conducted by screening PubMed, PsychInfo, and ScienceDirect. A total of 33 studies were included. The findings indicate a bidirectional link between mental health and physical pain. University students (36.1% of studies) were particularly impacted, and 81% of studies reported higher pain prevalence among females. Additionally, mindfulness meditation was identified as a potential protective factor, although it remains underexplored in Lebanon. Addressing these gaps supports tailored interventions for Lebanese youth and enriches our understanding of mental health in non-WEIRD contexts.

BackgroundThis study aims to assess the physical health of individuals belonging to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community, considering health system challenges like access to care and patient experiences and community-specific attributes like health literacy and self-acceptance.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in January-June 2022 using non-probabilistic sampling. The survey collected sociodemographic characteristics, information on access to care and patient experiences, prevalence of chronic conditions, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and health literacy levels. The inclusion criteria required participants to be of Lebanese nationality, at least 18 years old, and to identify as part of the LGBTQ community. Descriptive statistics summarized the data. Two sample t-tests and chi-square tests were used to examine associations between variables.ResultsA total of 496 participants took the survey, with a majority identifying as bisexual (38.5%) or gay (35.1%). Around 41.1% reported at least one chronic condition. Difficulty accessing healthcare was experienced by 37.7%, with 11.1% reporting a negative patient experience. Participants who reported experiencing discrimination were significantly more likely to delay seeking health services (p < 0.001), with transgender-identifying participants experiencing significantly more discrimination that non-transgender-identifying participants. Regarding sexual health, 15.7%, of those who tested, reported at least one STI. Their preferred testing sites were Non-Governmental Organizations (59.3%). Adequate health literacy level was significantly associated with STI testing (t = 3.34, p < 0.01) and chronic disease (t = 3.76, p < 0.01).ConclusionOur findings underscore the importance of inclusive healthcare policies that address discriminatory experiences in healthcare settings and the need for targeted evidence-based interventions to improve health outcomes among LGBTQ individuals.

ABSTRACTIntroductionAdherence to MD is declining in its native region, posing public health concerns. To improve adherence, it is important to understand its determinants. Deriving from socio‐ecological models (SEM), determinants may include socio‐demographic, environmental and behavioural factors. Lebanon is a Mediterranean country that faces serious challenges due to an ongoing economic crisis, which may affect MD adherence and its determinants. The aim of this study is, therefore, to explore the determinants influencing adherence to the MD in Lebanon, as well as the impact of the economic crisis on these factors.MethodsThis study employed a qualitative approach consisting of individual face‐to‐face interviews. A purposive sample of 25 generally healthy adults from different regions in Lebanon was recruited. Data collection started with a brief questionnaire to collect background socio‐demographic information, followed by assessing MD adherence using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener. Next, participants were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview guide, focusing on barriers and enablers to adhering to the MD.ResultsParticipants maintained a moderate adherence to MD with many reporting improving or sustaining healthy eating habits. Because of the economic crisis, the consumption of local produce became more prevalent due to import shortages, aligning with MD recommendations. Determinants included individual attitudes beliefs, particularly concerns about the quality and trustworthiness of food products during the economic crisis, and environmental factors like the unavailability of imported foods. Convenience and proximity were prioritized over cost in food purchases.ConclusionDespite economic constraints, many participants prioritized diet quality. People shifted to traditional, healthy diets. Emphasizing tradition, food availability, accessibility and affordability could be crucial for interventions.

Abstract In a collectivistic society such as Lebanon, familism is a deeply rooted cultural value where family members learn to put the needs of the group over the self. Familial obligation is socially reinforced, and care is perceived as the principal responsibility of the family. In a rapidly aging society accompanied by economic hardships, older adults in Lebanon are living longer, often with health conditions, and family members assume the main responsibility of care. Solidarity in family relationships becomes increasingly important and may lead to many benefits in caregiving when they are positive, but they may also be equally harmful if conflictual. Understanding adults’ attitudes concerning differential care settings becomes an intricate state matter with ethical implications. Drawing on Bengtson’s Solidarity-Conflict Model of Generational Relationships, we assessed data from the Family Ties and Aging study (N=500) collected in Beirut, Lebanon from adults aged 18-91. The study examined 1) the extent to which age, gender, and education level influence beliefs held about elder care, and 2) whether parent-child relationship closeness predicts attitudes on state versus family care. Regression analyses indicated that greater relationship closeness to children predicts stronger beliefs favoring government-led care for personal and household matters. Older age and closeness to children also predicted parents’ disagreement in children’s obligational role in care, both personally and financially. This may relate to parents’ desire to decrease strain on family members and increase solidarity. Results will be discussed in light of the Solidarity-Conflict Model, emphasizing the importance of strengthening family ties through state interventions.

Objectives: To examine the association between household food insecurity (FI) and cognitive performance among older adults in Lebanon - a country where an ongoing economic crisis has pushed large proportions of the population into poverty, disproportionately affecting older adults. Methods: Data are drawn from the baseline survey of an ongoing population-based cohort study (Lebanon Study on Ageing and Health). Adults aged ≥60years were recruited from a rural district and interviewed between Oct 2023-Jan 2024. Household FI was measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale and categorized into food secure (FS; score 0-3), moderately food insecure (MFI; 4-6), and severely food insecure (SFI; 7-8). Cognitive performance was assessed using the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia COGSCORE (CSI-D COGSCORE, 32-item); and the CERAD 10-Word List Memory task where mean z-score of the three immediate recall trials and the z-score of delayed recall were averaged (CERAD z-score). GLM models assessed the association between food insecurity and CERAD z-scores and CSI-D COGSCORE, adjusted for age, gender, education, marital status, employment status, and number of chronic diseases. Results: Of 1,204 older adults (median [IQR] age=68 [63; 75]; men (36.4%), primary education (43.6%), employed (44.6%)), 24.5% were MFI and 19.9% SFI. MFI was only associated with a lower CSI-D COGSCORE in bivariate analysis (unadjusted beta=-0.5 ;95%CI=-0.9; -0.1). In multivariable analysis, SFI was associated with a lower CSI-D COGSCORE (adjusted beta (β)= -0.6, 95%CI=-1.0; -0.2) and CERAD z-score (β=-0.2; 95%CI=-0.3; -0.1). Conclusions: In line with the global literature, we find SFI to be associated with lower cognitive performance. Although we cannot confirm temporality in this cross-sectional analysis, SFI has been hypothesized to adversely affect cognitive and memory function via both nutritional and psychological pathways. It will be important to confirm these findings in longitudinal research and to prioritize older adults in social safety net programs to mitigate the health consequences of food insecurity in the context of the socio-political and economic challenges faced. Funding Sources: National Institutes of Health.

Background: The economic crisis imposed changes to afford necessities like food, housing, and healthcare, leading to a decline in the physical and mental health of the population. Objectives: This study assessed the impact of the economic crisis on Lebanese adults’ health-related Quality of Life (QoL) and the predictors of lower scores. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeted 561 adults using a uniform questionnaire for data collection and a Short Form 8-item survey. Results: The sample comprised 77.9% females and 22.1% males. More than half of the sample reported a decrease in their income compared to the period before the crisis, and most participants reported that the economic turmoil highly impacted their access to healthcare services (63.0%), medication (51.5%), and food (56.5%) in addition to other necessities. Participants had lower Mental Component (MC) than Physical Component (PC) scores (55.5 and 69.0, respectively). Those highly impacted by the economic crisis in accessing medication had 1.76 times higher odds of lower PC scores than others (OR 1.76, 95% CI: 1.07–3.21). As regards the impact of the economic crisis on the MC scores, significantly higher odds of a lower MC score were noted among those highly impacted by the economic crisis in terms of access to medication (OR 2.12, 95% CI: 1.14–3.95), to food (OR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.1.12–2.87), and encountering water shortage (OR 1.65, 95% CI: 1.01–2.71). Conclusion: Lebanese adults’ QoL suffered physically and psychologically amid the economic crisis. The study underscores the need for accessible and affordable essential healthcare services and necessities.

Abstract BackgroundDespite extensive research on sun protection, there remains a gap in certain populations like Lebanon. It is essential to assess how Lebanese adults handle sun exposure and its risks.ObjectivesTo examine the knowledge and habits of sun protection use among adults in Lebanon and explore the possible association between a history of skin cancer or photo‐related disorder and sun protection behaviours.MethodsWe conducted a single‐centre cross‐sectional study on 1001 patients presenting to the American University of Beirut Medical Center dermatology clinics from August 2020 till April 2023. Participants were between 18 and 80 years of age and recruited by convenience sampling. Those younger than 18 years old or not proficient in English or Arabic were excluded.ResultsAmong 1001 adults (mean age, 36.06 years [SD, 14.72]; 708 [71.08%] female), 512 (52.78%) use sunscreen, 449 (46.29%) do not and 9 (0.93%) do not know. Respondents with a history of a photo‐related condition (melasma, lentigos/freckles and rosacea) were significantly more likely to be sunscreen users (p &lt; 0.001), but a history of skin cancer did not significantly increase the odds of using sunscreen (odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.79–2.56). Participants who reported obtaining their sun protection information from dermatologists and/or social media were associated with increased sunscreen use.ConclusionsThe results of this cross‐sectional survey suggest that half of the patients presenting to dermatology clinics at a tertiary care centre in Beirut tend to use sunscreen. Future investigations are needed to better understand the photoprotective awareness and practices of the Lebanese population. The lack of patients' behaviours towards skin protection should gear a nation‐wide campaign to improve these practices. Our outcomes indicate that dermatologists should be at the forefront of such campaigns tackling sun‐protective measures and skin cancer prevention, especially using social media platforms.

Abstract This symposium highlights innovative work advancing ADRD research with African Americans, Latinos, and Arab Americans. Included papers address critical issues along the ADRD spectrum from life course risk factors, through mild cognitive impairment (MCI), to dementia caregiving. Investigating links between the early-life environment and later-life ADRD risk, Dr. Tsotsoros examines cognitive correlates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in two disparate samples, demonstrating the need to characterize risk pathways among older Latina women, who are at increased risk of both ACEs and ADRD. Using nationally representative data, Dr. Esiaka focuses on adult risk factors for ADRD among Black men. She shows that neighborhood physical disorder and poor sleep quality represent key risk factors for worse cognitive health in this critically understudied population. Moving along the ADRD continuum, Dr. Darwish focuses on another severely underrepresented group: Arab American immigrants with MCI. Based on in-depth work with older adults in Lebanon, she details cultural adaptations made in the development of a combined cognitive-behavioral and cognitive rehabilitation intervention for this group. Next, Dr. Bouldin uses nationally representative data on African American, Latino, and non-Latino White older adults with dementia to quantify racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence and correlates of caregiver support service use. Findings highlight both risk and resilience among dementia caregivers from minoritized racial/ethnic groups. Finally, Cerise Elliott from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) will offer perspectives on how disaggregating population subgroups through between- and within-group research designs can advance NIA’s goal of understanding and eliminating racial/ethnic inequalities across the ADRD continuum. This is an Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.

Fathers’ parenting style and academic achievement of emerging adults in Lebanon: Mediating roles of psychological control, self-esteem, and self-construal