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Perceptions of Chinese Towards Dementia in Hong Kong—Diagnosis, Symptoms and Impacts

Author

Listed:
  • Tai Pong Lam

    (Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Kai Sing Sun

    (Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Hoi Yan Chan

    (Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Chak Sing Lau

    (Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Kwok Fai Lam

    (Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Robert Sanson-Fisher

    (School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia)

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of dementia has become a public health issue worldwide including China. This study aims to explore the perception of Chinese in Hong Kong towards the diagnosis, symptoms and impacts of dementia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among outpatients (without diagnosed dementia) attending a regional public hospital using a standard questionnaire. The results from 290 respondents showed that most preferred to be told about the diagnosis of dementia as soon as possible if they got it, in order to deal with the news and to access treatment and support early. Nearly two thirds of the respondents perceived practical issues (61.3%), physical health (61.0%), and emotional distress (58.4%) as their most fearful impacts, while legal issues (7.4%) were their least concerns. Family history/genes (79.1%) and brain injury (75.9%) were the most commonly perceived causes of dementia. For symptoms, respondents were more likely to identify cognitive impairments than undesirable behaviours. The accepting and proactive attitudes of the public indicate that there is a timely need of more public education about the disease, early screening and better continuity of care to fulfil the anticipated increase of the dementia patient population.

Suggested Citation

  • Tai Pong Lam & Kai Sing Sun & Hoi Yan Chan & Chak Sing Lau & Kwok Fai Lam & Robert Sanson-Fisher, 2019. "Perceptions of Chinese Towards Dementia in Hong Kong—Diagnosis, Symptoms and Impacts," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:1:p:128-:d:195101
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Aleesha Karia & Reza Zamani & Mohammad Akrami, 2021. "Socio-Economic Disparities in Access to Diagnostic Neuroimaging Services in the United Kingdom: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-27, October.
    2. Hajime Takechi & Naoko Hara & Kyoko Eguchi & Shoko Inomata & Yuki Okura & Miwa Shibuya & Hiroshi Yoshino & Noriyuki Ogawa & Morio Suzuki, 2023. "Dynamics of Interaction among Professionals, Informal Supporters, and Family Caregivers of People with Dementia along the Dementia Care Pathway: A Nationwide Survey in Japan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-13, March.
    3. Dan Liu & Guirong Cheng & Lina An & Xuguang Gan & Yulian Wu & Bo Zhang & Sheng Hu & Yan Zeng & Liang Wu, 2019. "Public Knowledge about Dementia in China: A National WeChat-Based Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-14, October.

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