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Błaszkiewicz M, Szcześniak D, Ciułkowicz M, Kowalski K, Rymaszewska JE, Bartosz B, Bulińska K, Karczewski M, Brodaty H, Rymaszewska J. Biomedical knowledge of dementia is not enough to counteract its stigma - quantitative research among future medical and social care staff in Poland. Aging Ment Health 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38407168 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2320139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim is to assess the level of stigmatization and knowledge of dementia among university students of medical, rehabilitation and social faculties in Poland. Possible correlates of these concepts and group differences are also investigated. METHODS We applied quantitative methods using an online questionnaire comprising sociodemographics, the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale, a vignette of a person with dementia and the modified Family Stigma in Alzheimer's Disease Scale. RESULTS Students had low levels of dementia knowledge and moderate levels of stigma. Medical science students had significantly better knowledge than the other groups but did not differ in their level of stigma. Relationships between the main variables were complex. Emotional and cognitive stigmatizing attributions were negatively correlated with knowledge about communication and behaviors of people with dementia. Better knowledge on causes and characteristics, as well as on risks and health promotion of the disease also triggered fewer negative attributions toward people with dementia. CONCLUSIONS If health-related programs are to be effective, they should provide opportunities for the acquisition of relevant knowledge and skills that also address the stigmatization of people living with dementia. Well-established biomedical knowledge on dementia must be supplemented with a person-centered approach and proper communication skills.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorota Szcześniak
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marta Ciułkowicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Julia E Rymaszewska
- Department and Clinic of Dermatology, Allergology and Venerology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Bogna Bartosz
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bulińska
- Department of Physiotherapy, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maciej Karczewski
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joanna Rymaszewska
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
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Tsatali M, Angelidou IA, Tsolaki M, Teichmann B. The Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale, the Knowledge in Dementia Scale, and the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool 2: Which Is the Best Tool to Measure Dementia Knowledge in Greece? J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:1377-1393. [PMID: 38225968 PMCID: PMC10789284 DOI: 10.3233/adr-230161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Measuring dementia knowledge can be a valuable tool for assessing the effectiveness of dementia awareness activities, identifying the potential benefits of dementia training programs, and breaking down common myths and stereotypes about dementia. Objective To compare the psychometric properties of three widely used dementia knowledge tools, the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool 2 (DKAT2-G), the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS-G), and the Knowledge in Dementia Scale (KIDE-G) in the Greek adult population. Methods A convenience sample of 252 participants from the general population completed the survey online. Statistical analyses included Cronbach's internal reliability, retest reliability, factor analysis, concurrent and construct validity, and floor and ceiling effects. Results The DKAS-G had the most appropriate reliability levels (Cronbach's alpha = 0.845; retest reliability = 0.921), whereas the DKAT2-G had satisfactory indexes (Cronbach's α= 0.760; retest reliability = 0.630). The KIDE-G showed unsatisfactory reliability (Cronbach's α= 0.419; retest reliability = 0.619). Construct validity was confirmed for all questionnaires, showing that all of them detected participants with pre-existing knowledge of dementia. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a four-factor model for the DKAS-G and proposed the removal of 5 items. Floor and ceiling effects were found for the DKAT2-G and the KIDE-G, mainly among those who had previously participated in dementia training. Conclusions The DKAS-G was found to have the highest levels of reliability and validity. The results prove that the DKAS-G meets the requirements for measuring dementia knowledge and evaluating dementia training programs in health professionals, caregivers, and the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Tsatali
- Greek Association of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (GAADRD), Thessaloniki, Greece
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece
| | | | - Magda Tsolaki
- Greek Association of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (GAADRD), Thessaloniki, Greece
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Aristotle, University of Thessaloniki (CIRI-AUTh), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Birgit Teichmann
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Melchior F, Teichmann B. Measuring Dementia Knowledge in German: Validation and Comparison of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale, the Knowledge in Dementia Scale, and the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool 2. J Alzheimers Dis 2023:JAD230303. [PMID: 37302037 PMCID: PMC10357161 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessing dementia knowledge is critical for developing and improving effective interventions. There are many different tools to assess dementia knowledge, but only one has been validated in German so far. OBJECTIVE To validate two tools for assessing dementia knowledge-the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS-D) and the Knowledge in Dementia Scale (KIDE-D) for the German general population-and compare their psychometric properties with the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool 2 (DKAT2-D). METHODS A convenience sample of 272 participants completed online surveys. Analyses included internal consistency, structural validity, construct validity through the known-groups method, retest-reliability with a subgroup of n = 88, and floor and ceiling effects. This study used the STROBE checklist. RESULTS Internal consistency was acceptable for DKAT2-D (α= 0.780), very good for DKAS-D (α= 0.873), and poor for KIDE-D (α= 0.506). Construct validity was confirmed for all questionnaires. Retest-reliability was good for DKAT2-D (0.886; 0.825-0.926) and KIDE-D (0.813; 0.714-0.878), while it was great for DKAS-D (0.928; 0.891-0.953). Trends toward ceiling effects were observed for DKAT2-D and KIDE-D, but not for DKAS-D. The principal component analysis did not reveal a coherent structure for DKAT2-D or KIDE-D, while the confirmatory factor analysis proposed the removal of 5 items for DKAS-D resulting in the shortened DKAS20-D, which had nearly identical properties. CONCLUSION Both DKAS-D and its shortened version, DKAS20-D, are reliable instruments for evaluating programs intended for the general population, as they were found to be convincing in all aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Melchior
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Teichmann
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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A CV, E BG, B L, A L, Ma EB, Gg RO, Ea MM, Pc MS, Aa RC, G PR. Spanish-Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS-S): Ecuadorian validation and comparison among Spanish health students. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:210. [PMID: 37005561 PMCID: PMC10067284 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-03904-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of cognitive impairment. Improving knowledge of dementia management through health education for health professionals can improve clinical and community care in home and specialist settings. It is important to guarantee good dementia knowledge in health students, and it is necessary to evaluate it with a good standardized tool. The aim of the current study was to assess the psychometric properties of the DKAS-S with cohorts of Ecuadorian health students, to compare these results with a former validation in Spanish health students and to analyse the level of knowledge according to different variables. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study to assess the validity, reliability and feasibility of the DKAS-S by comparing two different cohorts of health students (nursing and psychologists). RESULTS A total of 659 students from Spain (n = 233) and Ecuador (n = 426) completed the DKAS-S (mean age 24.02 (6.35) years old), and 52.80% were nursing students. The DKAS-S showed good internal consistency in the Ecuadorian cohort (Cronbach's α = 0.76). No significant difference was found between Spanish and Ecuadorian students (p = 0.767) in the global scale score, but there were differences in some subscales. Psychologist students scored significantly higher on the global scale than nursing students (32.08 (9.51) vs. 27.49 (7.15); p < 0.001)). Students with a family history of cognitive impairment scored higher on the global scale, and those who had contact with people with dementia obtained better results on the global scale. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed that the DKAS-S is an adequate and useful instrument to measure levels of knowledge about dementia among health students in Spanish-speaking communities. It is a reliable and valid measure with good psychometric properties. Understanding health students' knowledge about dementia will allow better adaptation of academic plans to train better health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carnes-Vendrell A
- Clinical Neuroscience Research, Unitat Trastorns Cognitius, Santa Maria University Hospital, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Barallat-Gimeno E
- Faculty of Nursing and Phisiotherapy, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Lara B
- Clinical Neuroscience Research, Unitat Trastorns Cognitius, Santa Maria University Hospital, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Lladó A
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica August Pi I Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Escobar-Bravo Ma
- Faculty of Nursing and Phisiotherapy, Universitat de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Reivan-Ortiz Gg
- Laboratory of Basic Psychology, Behavioural Analysis and Programmatic Development PAD-LAB, Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
- PAD-Group, Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Maxi-Maxi Ea
- Laboratory of Psychometry, Comparative Psychology and Ethology, Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
- Health and Behaviour Research Group (HBR), Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Martínez-Suárez Pc
- Laboratory of Psychometry, Comparative Psychology and Ethology, Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
- Health and Behaviour Research Group (HBR), Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Ramírez-Coronel Aa
- Laboratory of Psychometry, Comparative Psychology and Ethology, Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
- Health and Behaviour Research Group (HBR), Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Piñol-Ripoll G
- Clinical Neuroscience Research, Unitat Trastorns Cognitius, Santa Maria University Hospital, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain.
- Cognitive Disorders Unit, Hospital Universitari Santa Maria, Rovira Roure N° 44. 25198, Lleida, Spain.
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Zhang Q, Deng J, Luo H, Wang L. Senile dementia and psychiatric stigma among community health service providers and relatives of diagnosed and suspected dementia patients: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14613. [PMID: 36647450 PMCID: PMC9840390 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The number of people suffering from dementia is increasing rapidly in China. Early identification, referral, and intervention for dementia patients within communities are important to public health. However, these measures could be impacted by misconceptions about dementia and associated psychiatric stigma from community health professionals and relatives of dementia patients. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 249 participants, which included community doctors, community nurses, and relatives of diagnosed and suspected dementia patients in Guiyang, China. Participants were recruited through convenient sampling. The Chinese version of Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) and the Perceived Psychiatric Stigma Scale (PPSS) were used to evaluate the participants' knowledge of dementia and dementia-related psychiatric stigma. Results A total of 249 participants completed the questionnaire. The participants had moderate overall knowledge of dementia and the associated psychiatric stigma. Participants who were ≥45 years old, had a low level of education, had a low monthly income, or gained knowledge of dementia through non-media channels had lower awareness of dementia and stronger psychiatric stigma. In the "Communication & behavior" subscale of DKAS, all participants had a low level of awareness. Relatives of diagnosed and suspected dementia patients had higher total PPSS and "Marital preclusion" subscale scores than community doctors and nurses but lower psychiatric stigma based on the PPSS "Self-deprecation" subscale score. Conclusions Despite their profession, community doctors and nurses did not show an absolute advantage over relatives of diagnosed and suspected dementia patients in the dementia knowledge, and they even showed higher psychiatric stigma in some subscales. The self-deprecation subscale is related to the identification with negative labels such as "people with a mental illness are the weak". This study shows that reducing stigma on the "Self-deprecation" subscale should be a core component of training and educational programs targeted at improving dementia knowledge among community health service providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwen Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Second People’s Hospital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jing Deng
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second People’s Hospital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Huanyue Luo
- Department of VIP Clinic, The Second People’s Hospital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Second People’s Hospital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Haydon HM, Lotfaliany M, Jones C, Chelberg G, Horstmanshof L, Taylor M, Carey M, Snoswell CL, Hicks R, Banbury A. Health literacy, dementia knowledge and perceived utility of digital health modalities among future health professionals. Australas J Ageing 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ajag.13149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helen M. Haydon
- Centre for Online Health The University of Queensland Woolloongabba Queensland Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research The University of Queensland Woolloongabba Queensland Australia
| | - Mojtaba Lotfaliany
- Centre for Online Health The University of Queensland Woolloongabba Queensland Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research The University of Queensland Woolloongabba Queensland Australia
- The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), School of Medicine, Barwon Health Deakin University Geelong Victoria Australia
| | - Cindy Jones
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine Bond University Robina Queensland Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland Southport Queensland Australia
| | - Georgina R. Chelberg
- Centre for Online Health The University of Queensland Woolloongabba Queensland Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research The University of Queensland Woolloongabba Queensland Australia
| | - Louise Horstmanshof
- Faculty of Health Southern Cross University Lismore New South Wales Australia
| | - Melissa Taylor
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Health Research The University of Southern Queensland Ipswich Queensland Australia
| | - Melissa Carey
- Centre for Health Research The University of Southern Queensland Ipswich Queensland Australia
- University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Centaine L. Snoswell
- Centre for Online Health The University of Queensland Woolloongabba Queensland Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research The University of Queensland Woolloongabba Queensland Australia
| | - Richard Hicks
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Society and Design Bond University Robina Queensland Australia
| | - Annie Banbury
- Centre for Online Health The University of Queensland Woolloongabba Queensland Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research The University of Queensland Woolloongabba Queensland Australia
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