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Knowledge and attitude towards Alzheimer 's disease and related dementias in a low‐ to middle‐income country: a cross‐sectional survey among Lebanese middle‐aged and older adults
Author(s) -
Elbejjani Martine,
Wahab Kamal,
El Hachem Rita,
Tanielian Maria,
Feghali Lea,
Assaf Georges
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
psychogeriatrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.647
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1479-8301
pISSN - 1346-3500
DOI - 10.1111/psyg.12722
Subject(s) - dementia , gerontology , disease , medicine , religiosity , scale (ratio) , educational attainment , cross sectional study , psychology , social psychology , physics , pathology , quantum mechanics , economics , economic growth
Background Despite the growing burden of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in low‐ to middle‐income countries (LMICs) and prior findings of important gaps in research on ADRD knowledge, very few studies have assessed ADRD knowledge in these populations. This study evaluates the knowledge and attitudes towards ADRD among Lebanese middle‐aged and older adults. Method Participants aged ≥ 40 ( n = 215) attending primary care clinics at a large medical centre in Lebanon completed the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS), an attitude scale, and the Duke University Religion Index. Results ADRD knowledge accuracy was 61.5% (mean score = 18.6 out of 30 (SD = 3.05)). Items with the least correct answers were related to caregiving and risk factors (≤9% and ≤28%). Overall, participants had tolerant views concerning ADRD; the least positive views were regarding living with people with ADRD. Older age, lower educational attainment, and higher religiosity scores were associated with poorer knowledge and attitudes. Conclusion Results highlight the need for awareness and preventive efforts that address misconceptions about modifiable risk factors and living with ADRD, especially given that the burden of caregiving for older adults often falls on family members in Lebanon and other LMIC countries.