Dementia Attitude Scale Research Articles

The Attitudes of Nurses in the Hospital toward Vulnerable People

Background: Vulnerable people are at higher risk for ill health and often experience discrimination in health services. Persons with disabilities, People with Dementia (PWD), and People with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are some groups of people with vulnerabilities who often need hospital care. Nurses are the largest group of health personnel and frequently meet with these patients so that the attitude of nurses can have a consequence on the quality of health care. Research Objectives: To identify nurses' attitudes towards vulnerable people and factors related to their attitudes. Methods: This quantitative research used a cross-sectional design. The research subjects were 386 nurses in the main public Dr. Sardjito hospital selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected in January-February 2021 with a Google Form. Researchers used a demographic data questionnaire, an attitude questionnaire (Attitude Toward Disabled Person Scale Form O, Dementia Attitude Scale, and AIDS Attitude Scale), and a knowledge questionnaire (Self-Administered Questionnaire about Knowledge), Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale, and HIV-Knowledge Questionnaire-18). Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests, specifically the Spearman rank, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: The score of nurses' attitudes towards persons with disabilities was 54.00 out of 120; the score of nurses' attitudes to PWD was 102.00 out of 140; and the score of nurses' attitudes toward PLWHA was -0.65 out of +5. Knowledge, history of interaction, and experience in caring have a significant effect on nurses' attitudes towards vulnerable people (p value <0.05). The education level only affects the attitudes of nurses towards persons with disabilities (p value = 0.042). Family history only affects nurses' attitudes to PWD (p value = 0.013). Age and special education/training only affect the attitudes of nurses on PWD and PLWHA (p value <0.05). Conclusion: Nurses tend to present positive attitudes toward PWD, but nurses are inclined to show negative attitudes against people with disabilities and PLWHA. Knowledge, caring experience, and interaction are confirmed to have an effect on nurses' attitudes with the result that programs to increase knowledge and experience of nurses towards vulnerable groups are recommended for this group. Keywords: Attitude, Dementia, Disability, HIV/AIDS, Knowledge, Nurse.

Effect of Dementia Training on Knowledge and Attitude Among Long-Term Care Staff in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: The number of patients with dementia has increased globally. Caring for these patients is very challenging and demanding. There are many patients with dementia in long-term care facilities in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. However, most staff members do not have proper training regarding how to care for patients with dementia. AIM: This research aimed to investigate the effect of dementia care skills training on knowledge and attitudes about dementia among long-term care staff in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. METHODS: A pre-experimental study was conducted using a one-group pre-test and post-test method. There were 30 staff members in a long-term care facility in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, who participated in this study in July 2019. Training given was the Dementia Care Skills 18 h version for care workers provided by Alzheimer’s Indonesia by two certified trainers. Outcomes measured were knowledge and attitudes of the participants, which were measured using the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale and Dementia Attitude Scale. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests as well as Pearson correlation tests. RESULTS: The results showed that staff knowledge of dementia (t = 4.78, p = 0.000) and attitudes toward persons with dementia (t = 3.27, p = 0.003) were improved significantly after the dementia training provided by the Alzheimer’s Indonesia trainers. CONCLUSIONS: Training in dementia care can improve knowledge and attitude of long-term care staff. This study recommends that dementia care skills training be provided for staff and nurses in long-term care to improve their knowledge and attitudes regarding patients with dementia and their care.

Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitude Towards Dementia Amongst Medical Undergraduate Students

Background:Current undergraduate medical academic curriculum does not emphasize on evaluation and management of dementia. The knowledge and attitude of medical students towards patients with dementia in India has not been ascertained previously.Objective:We aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of final year medical students about dementia and Alzheimer's disease. We also aimed to assess if a dedicated sensitization cum teaching session by a group of interns doctors guided by a neurologist could help improve students’ knowledge and awareness towards dementia or not.Methods and Materials:82 consenting final year medical students answered questionnaires of Alzheimer Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) at a baseline level. A sensitization cum teaching session by intern doctors was conducted to enhance students’ knowledge about dementia. A post sensitization reassessment of students was done to assess impact of the session.Results:The ADKS score was 57% at baseline which was increased to 71% post sensitization program. The mean DAS score was 3.2 at baseline which was reported to be 3.4 after sensitization program. Students reported significant improvement in their knowledge level but did not show the same improvement in their attitude and comfort level in caring for dementia after the sensitization program. Students were still not comfortable dealing with patients with dementia.Conclusion:Medical students lack significant knowledge and training about dementia. Patient contact and practical training for basic assessment and care of dementia needs to be incorporated in the current academic curriculum. Dedicated sensitization sessions on dementia care can help improve the gap. Practical exposure to management of patients with dementia would be required to enhance the comfort level and attitude of students towards dementia.

Nurses' knowledge and attitude toward people with Alzheimer's disease: An exploratory study.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) constitutes a significant health problem that affects mainly older people and causes a significant decline in cognitive abilities, thus affecting the quality of life and independence. The current study aimed at exploring knowledge and attitude toward people with AD among Jordanian nurses. A cross-sectional survey utilizing a self-administered questionnaire was conducted in three Jordanian hospitals. Nurses' attitude was measured using the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS). Knowledge was measured using the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). A total of 207 nurses agreed to participate and completed the questionnaire. Most nurses demonstrated poor knowledge of AD with an ADKS score of 17.8 out of 30. In contrast, nurses had a positive attitude toward people with AD, with a total DAS mean score of 83.8 out of 140. Nurses lacked knowledge regarding AD, which could be attributed to insufficient education during university studies or after employment. Attitude toward people with Alzheimer's was positive in general; this implies that nurses have the potential to learn more about AD to enhance the care provided for people with the condition.

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARD PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA

Background: Nursing students are prepared to deliver care for vulnerable people, including people with dementia. Nursing students tend to have lower levels of knowledge and attitudes toward dementia compared to registered nurses. While there is less evidence that discussed this topic in the Indonesian nursing student's context, it will be necessary to identify an aspect related to knowledge and attitude among students to be considered for improvement in the future.
 Objective: This study aimed to identify the knowledge and attitudes toward dementia among nursing students in Indonesia.
 Method: This study was a quantitative study with a cross-sectional design. There were 334 nursing students recruited using a total sampling method at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta. Data were collected using the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) and Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS). Spearman Rank, Mann Whitney Unpaired, Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson Correlation, Unpaired t-test, and Unpaired ANOVA were used for data analysis according to the type and the distribution of the data.
 Results: The median of the DKAS was 24 (min - max = 7 - 40), and the mean of DAS was 99.60 (SD = 10.25). The variables that were statistically significant correlated to knowledge of dementia were age (r = .332, p < .001), class standing (H = 72.253, p < .001), and experience in taking care of people with dementia (U = 3314, p = .047). Meanwhile, only the age of the students was found to have a statistically significant correlation with attitudes toward dementia (r = 158, p = .004).
 Conclusion: In general, among the nursing students, knowledge toward dementia was relatively low, while the attitudes toward dementia were relatively high compared to other research. Age, class standing, and experience in taking care of people with dementia had significant correlations to the knowledge score of the students. Lastly, age also had a significant correlation with the attitude score of the students.

The Impact of TimeSlips on Undergraduate Students in Service Learning With Older Adults

Purpose Future speech-language pathologists are often unprepared in their academic training to serve the communicative and cognitive needs of older adults with dementia. While negative attitudes toward older adults are prevalent among undergraduate students, service learning has been shown to positively affect students' attitudes toward older adults. TimeSlips is an evidence-based approach that has been shown to improve health care students' attitudes toward older adults. The purpose of this study is to explore the change in attitudes in speech-language pathology students toward older adults using TimeSlips in service learning. Method Fifty-one students participated in TimeSlips service learning with older adults and completed the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) before and after service learning. In addition, students completed a reflection journal. The DAS data were analyzed using nonparametric statistics, and journal entries were analyzed using a qualitative analysis approach. Results The service learners exhibited a significant increase in positive attitude as indexed on the DAS. The reflective journal entries supported the positive change in attitudes. Conclusions A noticeable attitude shift was indexed in reflective journals and on the DAS. TimeSlips is an evidence-based, patient-centered approach well suited to address challenges in the preparation of Communication Sciences and Disorders students to work with the growing population of older adults.

A feasibility study af a blended learning dementia care: elective course for nursing students

As there is a limited long-term care options in Indonesia, people with dementia are cared for by their family. They often hospitalized as the condition progresses. Nurses are the profession with most contact. Therefore, preparing nursing students to care for people living with dementia is needed. Blended learning as e new learning strategy in dementia care for nursing student need to be evaluated to comprehend its feasibility in the future dementia care course. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a blended learning course for nursing students about dementia. A blended learning course was developed as a three-credits elective course that voluntarily joined by 42 fourth year nursing students. This course integrates the schedule, modules, and assignments in a learning management system called eLOK (Moodle based). One group pre-post test was conducted to evaluate this course using DKAS (Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale) and DAS (Dementia Attitude Scale) as instruments. Google form was integrated to evaluate the course and the use of eLOK. Data were analysed using a paired t-test. 37 students (88.1%) completed the questionnaires. There is a significant improvement in knowledge towards dementia (t = 5.96, p value < .00) but not the attitude (t = 2.50, p value = .17) right after completing the course. Students also well appreciated the quizzes and project as the evaluation of learning outcomes of the course. Moreover, the audio-visual material in eLOK made them feel helpful in learning new topics and made new constructive experience of learning. In conclusion, this blended learning is feasible to be used as a learning method for delivering dementia care course.

Measuring attitudes of those caring for people living with dementia: A quantitative survey

Background: The prevalence of dementia is increasing with more healthcare workers being required to care for people living with this progressive neurological disorder. The knowledge level and attitude of healthcare workers caring for those living with dementia need to be assessed and resources targeted effectively to ensure best quality care is provided. Healthcare workers for the purpose of this paper include anyone employed to care for those living with dementia. Aim: To investigate the attitudes of healthcare workers towards people living with dementia. Methods: A survey of 110 healthcare workers was undertaken between October 2016 and December 2017, using the Dementia Attitude Scale to measure attitudes towards people living with dementia. Demographic data were collected by a survey to explore whether a person’s age; cultural background; qualification level; or experience level had an impact on their attitude towards people living with dementia. Results: The full survey was completed by n = 85 healthcare workers with the majority having strongly positive views about people living with dementia, with an average score of 88.31/100. However, a large number reported being afraid of people living with dementia (n = 76, 89.4%) and would avoid people with dementia who were agitated (n = 51, 61.4%). While 100% (n = 85) agreed or strongly agreed that it was possible to enjoy interacting with people living with dementia, they were more ambivalent with n = 26 (31.6%) strongly agreeing with the statement that working with people living with dementia is rewarding. A significant difference in attitude was found using one-way analysis of variance within groups due to age (p < .000) and cultural background (p < .035). Conclusions: Healthcare workers within this study had mainly positive attitudes towards people with dementia as demonstrated by the high attitude scores. However, this paper has shown that healthcare workers may require further education to improve attitude and care towards those living with dementia.

Dementia knowledge, attitudes and training needs of speech-language pathology students and practitioners: A countrywide study.

Due to dementia-related communication difficulties, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a significant role in supporting individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Nevertheless, SLP practitioners may not have received adequate dementia training during their undergraduate programme and skills updating post-qualification. Investigating the knowledge, attitudes and training needs of SLP students and practitioners would provide evidence on the need of enhancing training in dementia care and management at both the undergraduate level and through continuous professional development programmes. To assess the levels of dementia knowledge, attitudes and training needs of SLP students and practitioners. A countrywide survey was conducted with undergraduate students reading for a BSc degree in communication therapy and SLPs currently in practice. Dementia knowledge and attitudes were assessed using the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS). Training needs were measured using a three-point Likert scale from a list of topics related to dementia management and care. Quantitative methods were used to analyse the collected data. A total of 49 SLP students (94.2% response rate) and 113 practitioners (57.4% response rate) completed the survey. Although SLP practitioners scored significantly better than students on the ADKS and its constructs, both cohorts showed inadequate knowledge of dementia, in particular dementia risk factors. In general, both SLP students and practitioners showed positive attitudes towards individuals with dementia, even though significant differences were observed. With respect to training needs, SLP practitioners significantly scored less compared with students denoting that, in this cohort, there was the belief that less training in dementia was required. Although SLPs have an important role to play in the management and care of individuals with dementia, the findings of this study indicated a shortage of in-depth knowledge in this area of practice. This continues to highlight the need of enhancing dementia training programmes through undergraduate curriculum development and continuous professional programmes for skills updating. What this paper adds What is already known on the subject One of the symptoms of dementia is that affected individuals progressively lose the ability to communicate effectively. With an increase in the number of people with dementia due to global ageing growth, SLPs are more likely to come into contact with such individuals and their caregivers. At present, there is little research on the levels of dementia knowledge, attitudes and training needs among individuals pursuing their career in this profession. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study highlights a dearth of in-depth knowledge among undergraduate students and practising SLPs in various aspects of dementia management and care and argues on the need of enhancing training in this field of study. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Improving SLPs' knowledge on dementia can enhance their professional role in several areas, including the provision of information on risk factors, disease progression and its effect on communication abilities, screening of cognitive communication difficulties and developing management plans aimed at maintaining communication abilities at the highest level.

Dementia Literacy in the Greater Bay Area, China: Identifying the At-Risk Population and the Preferred Types of Mass Media for Receiving Dementia Information.

Background: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the dementia literacy of community-dwelling adults in four cities (Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Macau, and Zhuhai) of the Greater Bay Area of China, and to determine their mass media preferences for receiving dementia information. Methods: The survey was completed by 787 community-dwelling adults. Dementia literacy was indirectly measured using two validated scales—the 30-item Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale and the 20-item Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS). Participants were also asked to indicate whether they wanted to receive dementia information via digital or traditional media. Chi-square tests, logistic regressions, and MANOVA analyses were conducted. Results: Unemployed or retired people had poor attitudes towards dementia and lower levels of knowledge about dementia. Single, cohabiting, or divorced people in Hong Kong and Macau had lower DAS scores than married people. Young people and those with a secondary education preferred to get their dementia information from social media. People with a tertiary education and employed people enjoyed searching government or hospital websites for information. Middle-aged, unemployed, or retired people tended to learn about dementia from television or radio. Conclusion: It is worth educating the public about dementia and developing strategies consistent with their preferences for types of mass media.

Exploring the knowledge, attitudes and perceived learning needs of formal carers of people with dementia.

An appropriate level of knowledge, a positive attitude and awareness of learning needs are essential to provide high-quality care to people living with dementia. To explore the knowledge, attitudes and perceived learning needs of formal carers of residents living with dementia in one long-term care facility. Questionnaires were sent to nurses and nursing assistants working in one long-term care facility in Malta. A total of 207 completed responses were received from these formal carers. The questionnaire comprised scales: the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale, the Dementia Attitude Scale and the Dementia Learning Needs Assessment tool. Formal carers' knowledge about dementia was satisfactory. Increased knowledge was associated with being a nurse and working on a specialist dementia unit. Overall, formal carers' attitudes towards people with dementia were positive. Nurses identified managing behaviour that challenges as the most important learning need, while for nursing assistants it was how to assist family caregivers in coping with Alzheimer's disease. Nurses and nursing assistants considered learning about the use of technology to be the least important learning need. Being a nurse and working in a specialist dementia unit were predictors of better knowledge. Working in specialist dementia units was also a predictor of positive attitudes towards people with dementia. Policymakers should be aware that continued investment in specialist dementia units should be an intermediate and long-term goal because of the projected increase in the number of people living with dementia and the need to ensure these individuals receive optimum care.

Dementia literacy in Western Pacific countries: A mixed methods study.

To examine levels of knowledge about dementia and attitudes towards dementia in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), identify sources to turn to for help, and explore the relationship between knowledge and attitudes. This mixed methods study with both quantitative (a cross-sectional survey) and qualitative (focus group interviews) components was conducted in Cambodia, the Philippines, and Fiji in 2017-18. A survey was completed by the citizens of the three countries, and two focus group interviews were conducted in each country to generate a context-specific understanding of dementia literacy within the local LMIC setting. The quantitative component utilized the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale and the Dementia Attitude Scale, while knowledge, attitudes, and views on seeking help for dementia was discussed in the focus group interviews (qualitative component). A total of 476 participants completed the survey. Another 54 participants (39 females and 15 males) were invited to join six focus group interviews to express their views on dementia. Positive attitudes were noted despite the level of dementia knowledge was low. Families and religious figures were viewed as the sources for help. Controlling for demographics, country-specific predictors of positive attitudes towards dementia were found. The involvement of family members and religious leaders in dementia education could enhance the recognition of dementia. Specific kinds of dementia knowledge should be targeted to educate the public in different countries.

Setting matters: Associations of nurses' attitudes towards people with dementia.

AimIdentify associations between attitudes of nurses towards people with dementia and their socio‐demographic (age and gender) and work‐related characteristics (employment, work experience, nursing degree, care setting).DesignThe study was designed in a cross‐sectional way, collecting self‐reported questionnaire data.MethodsNurses (N = 417) completed the 20‐item Dementia Attitude Scale questionnaire, including socio‐demographic and work characteristics. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, group mean comparison, correlation and regression analysis.ResultsThe attitudes of nurses towards people with dementia were only related to the care setting. Attitudes of nurses working in dementia‐specialized long‐term care institutions were significantly more positive compared with those working in mixed long‐term care institutions and in the homecare setting. The other variables, such as age, gender, employment, nursing degree and work experience, were not associated with the attitudes.

The Knowledge of Attitudes of Nurses and Doctors caring for Dementia Patients in Hospital

The Aim: The goal of this study was to establish the knowledge and attitudes of nurses and doctors in caring for dementia patients. Methodology: This survey was carried out using self-reporting questionnaires. The setting was a Health Service Executive (HSE) hospital. The hospital was a Level 3 site because it has an Emergency department that is open for admissions 24 hours a day, and is equipped with a Medical Assessment Unit. For this survey, a descriptive approach was adopted. 147 (n=147) health professionals were interviewed (nurses n=100 and doctors n=47) through the use of a convenience sample. The data was collected using a combination of two questionnaires, both of which were validated and deemed reliable while inclusive of demographics. The two measures used were the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS). Analysis: Descriptive analysis was undertaken for all variables using the computer software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21. Independent correlation coefficients, T-tests and ANOVA tested the relationships between the participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and characteristics in relation to dementia patients. Results: The results show a 70% return rate of completed questionnaires in both the nurse (n=70) and doctor (n=33) groups. Only 30% of participants had received specific education about dementia. Both doctors and nurses had similar scores on the attitude and knowledge scales, which were moderate overall. The DAS suggests that attitudes were moderately positive in both groups. No significant increase in knowledge was found in respondents who had attended previous educational courses. No respondent attended the National Two-Day Dementia Programme. Age was not a significant factor when compared with knowledge and attitudes. A number of participants (n=22) were not interested in furthering their knowledge of dementia. However, this was not significant to the respondents’ overall knowledge and attitudes scores.

Using art in an intergenerational program to improve students’ attitudes toward people with dementia

ABSTRACTThis study explored the effects of participating in an intergenerational service learning program called Opening Mind through Arts (OMA) on college students’ attitudes toward people with dementia. In this program, students were paired one-on-one with elders who have dementia to support the elders’ creation of visual art projects. They met weekly for one semester. The Dementia Attitude Scale was administered at the beginning and end of the semester to measure changes in students’ attitudes. The study included 156 students participating in OMA and assessed if their participation makes a difference in the degree of change in overall attitudes, knowledge, and comfort level toward people with dementia. Results revealed a significant improvement in students’ overall attitudes, comfort level, and attitude toward people with dementia. The results highlight the importance of intergenerational service learning in improving college students’ overall attitudes and increase their confidence and comfort working with people with dementia.

Nursing students' knowledge and attitudes towards dementia — A questionnaire survey

In line with population ageing, the number of individuals with dementia is expected to increase. Nursing students are more likely to care for dementia patients during their clinical placements and once they qualify. Nevertheless, they may not be adequately prepared during their undergraduate programme. Furthermore, lack of support during their placements may negatively influence nursing students' attitudes. Measuring the level of knowledge and attitudes of nursing students could be an important step in providing evidence on the need of enhancing dementia care training in the nursing curriculum. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and attitudes of nursing students in Malta towards dementia and identify factors related to these attributes. Moreover, the students were asked to rate their training and educational needs from a list of topics about this subject area. A questionnaire survey. Department of Nursing within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Malta. 280 full-time diploma and degree nursing students who are currently in their first, second and third year of their undergraduate programme. The data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of the Alzheimer's disease Knowledge Scale and the Dementia Attitude Scale. A 3-point Likert scale was also used by students to rate their training and educational needs from a list of 20 topics related to dementia care. The data was analysed using quantitative methods. Maltese nursing students had an adequate knowledge and showed positive attitudes towards Alzheimer's disease and dementia patients. Age, academic year, training and previous care of dementia patients during their clinical placement were all found to be associated with increased knowledge and positive attitudes. Knowledge and attitudes of nursing students in Malta towards persons with dementia could be improved by enhancing dementia care training and improving the clinical experience.