Knowledge, Awareness, and Perceived Threat Toward Alzheimer's Disease Among the Family Caregivers of Individuals with Chronic Physical Conditions in Bangladesh.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing public health concern affecting millions of individuals worldwide. This disease burden is exacerbated in countries like Bangladesh, where public awareness and knowledge about the condition remains limited. This study aimed to assess the level of AD knowledge, awareness, and perceived threat among family caregivers of individuals with chronic physical conditions of Bangladesh. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the caregivers of patients selected via convenience sampling in six public hospitals between October 2022 and March 2023. The data was collected via face-to-face interviews employing a semi-structured questionnaire that contained information about socio-demographic characteristics, personal experiences with AD, knowledge of AD, level of awareness regarding AD, and perceived threat toward AD. The findings revealed a poor knowledge of AD among the study participants. Regarding AD awareness, 52.5% considered memory loss in older individuals abnormal, 26.2% attributed AD to causes like black magic, psychological distress, or bad eyes. Regarding perceived threat, 60.2% wanted to assess their AD risk, while 68.2% disagreed with the likelihood of developing the disease. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, place of residence, education, and employment status significantly contribute to AD knowledge scores. This study highlights the urgent need for public education and awareness campaigns to address the knowledge gap and reduce stigmatization associated with AD in Bangladesh. Targeted efforts, particularly among older age groups and rural communities, can enhance understanding and improve the quality of care and support for AD patients and their caregivers.