Objective: This study aims to (1) apply the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation model of Behaviour (COM-B) to the HeBA online survey to identify potential barriers that could influence participant´s behaviour towards the in-person on-site visits, and (2) improve participants’ adherence.

Background: The HeBA study is a European prospective and observational study that seeks to identify and establish biomarkers for individuals at risk of PD/or dementia. Phase 1 consists of a cross-sectional online survey followed by an at home olfactory assessment. Phase 2, a cohort of participants will be monitored annually by in-person visits. Based on the survey responses, a “behavioural analysis” of participants was performed to identify perceived barriers to those visits. The COM-B model was chosen as it advocates that behaviour comes from an interaction between three components: ‘capability’ to perform the behaviour, ‘opportunity’ and ‘motivation’ to carry-out such behaviour[1]

Method: The survey was launched in Luxembourg in September 2022. The data was extracted from questionnaires, such as, Demographics, Geriatric Depression Scale, EQ-5D-5L, Non-motor Symptoms, MDS-UPDRS rating scale and the Penn Parkinson’s Daily Activities Questionnaire-15. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data accordingly to the COM-B components.

Results: 1167 participants with an average age of 61years completed the survey (465 male/702 female) until 01.03.2023. Findings revealed that the main barriers for capability were remembering instructions (55%); mobility issues (20%); poor memory (19%); accomplishment of activities (16%) and troubles recalling day/time (13%). Vis-à-vis ‘opportunity’, the major barriers may be work and/or time constraints (57%) and low-education (2.8%). Regarding motivation, barriers comprised depression or anxiety (40%); preference to stay home (36%); decline activities (21%) and loss of interest (13%).

Conclusion: This study provides a relevant insight on the barriers that might affect participant behaviour towards in-person visits. The findings will guide the implementation of targeted strategies to best address the identified barriers, improving participants’ adherence.

References: (1) Michie, S.; Atkins, L. & West Roberts (2014) The Behaviour Change Wheel, A Guide To Designing Interventions. Silverback Publishing: Great Britain. ISBN: 978-1-291-84605-8.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/applying-the-com-b-model-to-identify-potential-barriers-for-in-person-on-site-visits-within-the-healthy-brain-ageing-heba-study-in-luxembourg/