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Family history and its relationship with dementia stigma beliefs among C hinese A mericans
Author(s) -
Woo Benjamin KP
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/ggi.12686
Subject(s) - dementia , stigma (botany) , feeling , medicine , psychological intervention , clinical psychology , psychiatry , gerontology , psychology , disease , social psychology , pathology
Aim It is known that C hinese A mericans associate dementia with stigma and “loss of face.” However, further research is required to provide a more complete picture of the extent and nature of stigma in C hinese A mericans with family histories of dementia ( FHD ). The present study examined whether FHD are associated with quantitative measures of stigma in C hinese A mericans. Methods A total of 300 C hinese A mericans in two health seminars answered a 15‐item, true/false questionnaire to assess their beliefs toward dementia. Two groups were dichotomized and compared based on FHD . Results Both groups subscribed to moderately stigmatizing views about dementia. Our findings showed that the group with FHD was more likely to disclose having relatives with dementia. However, this group was also more likely to perceive patients with dementia to be incapable of feeling other people's worries or concerns at once. Conclusions Strategies to decrease stigma toward dementia are required. Cultural interventions must also extend into the C hinese A merican general public to reduce stigma of dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 122–125.