Risk and vulnerabilities of Filipinos in the identification and management of dementia through knowledge, attitudes and practices about dementia in adults aged 18‐65 years old who consult at the outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Quezon City

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDementia is an overwhelming disease that pose a burden in the society. Health information and education about dementia in the Philippines is still limited. Lack of awareness entails low identification and diagnosis rate, limited health care options and under‐utilization of existing programs and interventions. The paper aims to describe the risks and vulnerabilities of Filipinos in the identification and management of Dementia among adults through assessment of their knowledge, attitudes and practices.MethodA descriptive, cross‐sectional study was performed in a government tertiary hospital in Quezon City, Philippines. The primary investigator facilitated interviews guided by an experts reviewed‐interview schedule. A sample of 170 individuals aged 18‐65 years old who seek consult or is accompanying a patient were selected using a random sampling method.ResultThe study showed only 27.65% were knowledgeable of Dementia. Seventy percent of the participants considered it as a normal part of aging. Majority of the respondents (95.29%) showed accepting attitudes towards people with dementia. At least 33% showed a possibility of gearing towards negative practices towards those having the condition. One hundred fifteen out of 170 (67.75%) recognizes that patience is needed in taking care of people with dementia. No significant relationship identified between level of knowledge and attitude (95% CI, Fisher’s p = 0.115). Practices towards people with dementia showed significant relationship with level of knowledge (95% CI, Fisher’s p = <0.001). However, in terms of health seeking behavior, those who showed poor health seeking behavior were not knowledgeable of dementia (72.73%) showing significant correlation (95% CI, Fisher’s p = <0.001).ConclusionDespite the increasing prevalence of dementia in the Philippines, awareness and understanding of the condition remain limited. Though only a few was considered knowledgeable, majority showed accepting attitudes and positive practices. However, the health seeking behavior is influenced by their knowledge on dementia. Limited awareness and understanding, and the fear associated with dementia substantiates the urgency to come up with programs on public education and stigma reduction. These strategies could prevent neglect and social isolation of people living with dementia, help them achieve quality of life by maintaining self‐esteem and improve health‐seeking behaviors.