Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes towards dementia among adults. A cross-sectional online survey with purposive sampling was conducted in four district health centers in Taichung, Taiwan, in 2018. Knowledge was measured by the Taiwanese version of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale. Attitudes towards people with dementia were measured by four kinds of feelings: discomfort, shame, avoidance, and fear. In total, 347 persons completed the questionnaire. Knowledge of dementia was modest. Higher education, a care-related background, chronic health conditions, experience caring for people with dementia, and knowledge of family history were related to higher knowledge of dementia. Attitudes towards people with dementia were grouped into four clusters: uncomfortable (22.2%), ashamed (2.6%), unfriendly (22.5%), and non-negative (52.7%). Knowledge of dementia was significantly related to the ashamed cluster but not to the other clusters. Lower education, a lack of caring experience, and a lack of knowledge of family history were related to uncomfortable feelings, and poorer financial satisfaction was related to uncomfortable, afraid, and avoidant feelings. The open-question expression of feelings towards dementia was more likely to be negative (55.3%). The public should be educated on knowledge of and friendly attitudes towards dementia.
Highlights
The prevalence of dementia has increased dramatically with the global population aging
The findings indicate that attitudes towards dementia may be mixed and involve multiple feelings
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data on knowledge of and attitudes towards people living with dementia
Summary
The prevalence of dementia has increased dramatically with the global population aging. In 2013, and the dementia prevalence was 8.04%; the rate doubled for every 5-year increase after age 75 [2]. People are still less familiar with dementia than with other chronic diseases among older adults. Stigma may prevent early diagnosis, timely treatment, and appropriate quality of care for people with dementia [4,5,6,7]. Promoting awareness and removing the stigma of dementia are the priorities for promoting a dementia-friendly community. Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) [8] defines a dementia-friendly community as “a place or culture in which people with dementia and their carers are empowered, supported, and included in society, understand their rights and recognize their full potential.”. Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) [8] defines a dementia-friendly community as “a place or culture in which people with dementia and their carers are empowered, supported, and included in society, understand their rights and recognize their full potential.” ADI suggests four elements as the cornerstone of a dementia-friendly
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