Awareness, attitudes, and beliefs of dementia in Indonesia
Nicolas Farina, Esra Hassan, Imelda Theresia, Fasihah Irfani Fitri, Ika Suswanti, Tara Puspitarini Sani, Sara Evans‐Lacko, Sube Banerjee, Yuda Turana- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Neurology (clinical)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Tackling dementia stigma is a policy priority. In Indonesia, we have little insight into the general public's knowledge and attitudes about dementia.
METHODS
Cross‐sectional study of 4430 Indonesian adults recruited from Jakarta and North Sumatra, Indonesia. Measures included dementia knowledge and attitudes.
RESULTS
A total of 86.3% (n = 3,803) of adults had not heard of the terms dementia or Alzheimer's disease, and commonly viewed dementia as a normal part of aging. Being older, incorrect knowledge about etiology, not having heard of the terms dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease, having less than primary education, and being from North Sumatra were associated with more negative attitudes (p‐values < 0.05).
DISCUSSION
Misconceptions and lack of awareness about dementia are common in Indonesia. Attitudes tended not to be negative, but our research highlights factors associated with dementia attitudes. Future research should use this information to better tailor and target potential anti‐stigma strategies.
Highlights
Most Indonesians had not heard of the terms dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease and thought it was caused by normal aging.
The majority of participants held mixed or positive attitudes towards dementia.
A series of demographic factors alongside poor awareness were associated with negative attitudes towards dementia.