From Co-design to Trial: A qualitative evaluation of the MindCare study - a dementia risk reduction program for multicultural communities.
Date and Time
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Theme / Track
Ageing well, longevity and social context
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Background: Dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia, disproportionately affecting people from multicultural backgrounds. In the absence of effective treatment, prevention is a key priority. MindCare aims to improve self-efficacy, health literacy, and knowledge of modifiable risk factors through a co-designed, peer-delivered dementia risk-reduction program for Arabic-, Greek-, Hindi-, and Vietnamese-speaking communities. This paper reports the qualitative evaluation of MindCare following a national cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT), from the perspectives of participants, peer-educators, and organisations representatives.
Methods: A cross-case qualitative study was nested within a nationwide RCT conducted in partnership with multicultural organisations. A subset of participants from the trial (n=202) completed brief semi-structured interviews; 34 interviews were included in the analysis (participants=25, educators=7, partner representatives=2). Data were analysed thematically within and across cases, using a matrix approach to identify convergent and divergent patterns related to program content, delivery, and impact.
Results: Participants described the program as engaging, culturally-appropriate, and informative with strong support for broader implementation. Reported outcomes included behaviour changes such as increased physical activity and improved diet, although sustaining change and engaging family support remained challenges. The mix of didactic and interactive components supported engagement, though educators suggested more discussion-based activities could enhance learning. Overall, high satisfaction was reported across all participants.
Conclusion: MindCare’s co-designed, peer-delivered model is highly acceptable across diverse CALD communities. Findings highlight opportunities to strengthen experiential learning, streamline content, and increase family involvement to support sustained behaviour change. These insights inform future development of dementia risk-reduction programs for priority populations.
Keywords
CALD, Community, Dementia, Mental Health, Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Authors
A/Prof Josefine Antoniades, La Trobe University
Prof Bianca Brijnath, La Trobe University
Ms Dilnaz Billimoria, Consumer Representative
Mr Stratos Vakkas, La Trobe University