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Relationship Between Knowledge and Types of Attitudes Towards People Living with Dementia

Author

Listed:
  • Chia-Yu Chang

    (Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
    South District Public Health Center, Taichung City Government, Taichung 402332, Taiwan)

  • Hui-Chuan Hsu

    (School of Public Health, Research Center of Health Equity, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes towards dementia among adults. A cross-sectional online survey with purposive sampling was conducted in four district health centers in Taichung, Taiwan, in 2018. Knowledge was measured by the Taiwanese version of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale. Attitudes towards people with dementia were measured by four kinds of feelings: discomfort, shame, avoidance, and fear. In total, 347 persons completed the questionnaire. Knowledge of dementia was modest. Higher education, a care-related background, chronic health conditions, experience caring for people with dementia, and knowledge of family history were related to higher knowledge of dementia. Attitudes towards people with dementia were grouped into four clusters: uncomfortable (22.2%), ashamed (2.6%), unfriendly (22.5%), and non-negative (52.7%). Knowledge of dementia was significantly related to the ashamed cluster but not to the other clusters. Lower education, a lack of caring experience, and a lack of knowledge of family history were related to uncomfortable feelings, and poorer financial satisfaction was related to uncomfortable, afraid, and avoidant feelings. The open-question expression of feelings towards dementia was more likely to be negative (55.3%). The public should be educated on knowledge of and friendly attitudes towards dementia.

Suggested Citation

  • Chia-Yu Chang & Hui-Chuan Hsu, 2020. "Relationship Between Knowledge and Types of Attitudes Towards People Living with Dementia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:11:p:3777-:d:363212
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    Cited by:

    1. Chia-Hui Chang & Yung Ming & Tsung-Hung Chang & Yea-Yin Yen & Shou-Jen Lan, 2020. "The Needs and Utilization of Long-Term Care Service Resources by Dementia Family Caregivers and the Affecting Factors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-13, August.

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