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Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: Prevalence, Symptom Severity, and Caregiver Distress in South-Western Uganda—A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study

Author

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  • Ronald Kamoga

    (Department of Anatomy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda)

  • Vincent Mubangizi

    (Department of Community Practice and Family Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda)

  • Judith Owokuhaisa

    (Department of Physiotherapy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda)

  • Moses Muwanguzi

    (Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda)

  • Sylivia Natakunda

    (Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda)

  • Godfrey Zari Rukundo

    (Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda)

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) prevalence, severity, and distress experienced by caregivers of people living with dementia (PLWD). A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted in a rural area in southwestern Uganda. A Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) was used to determine the presence of BPSD as perceived by caregivers of PLWD. We carried out both descriptive and inferential data analysis. A total of 175 caregivers of PLWD were enrolled in this study. Among PLWD, 99% had presented BPSD in the past month. Hallucinations (75%) and dysphoria/depression (81%) were the two BPSD that occurred most frequently. Most participants (70%) stated that PLWD experienced hallucinations of significant severity. Aberrant motor activity was reported by 60% of the participants as the type of BPSD that caused severe distress. There was a high positive correlation (0.82) between the total severity score and total distress scores. Interventions aimed at addressing dysphoria and hallucinations may be essential for the reduction of caregiver distress. These findings point to the need for promoting early screening for BPSDs and the provision of support to caregivers.

Suggested Citation

  • Ronald Kamoga & Vincent Mubangizi & Judith Owokuhaisa & Moses Muwanguzi & Sylivia Natakunda & Godfrey Zari Rukundo, 2023. "Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: Prevalence, Symptom Severity, and Caregiver Distress in South-Western Uganda—A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2336-:d:1049589
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rafael del-Pino-Casado & Marta Rodríguez Cardosa & Catalina López-Martínez & Vasiliki Orgeta, 2019. "The association between subjective caregiver burden and depressive symptoms in carers of older relatives: A systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(5), pages 1-16, May.
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