Sharif Azaz Bin, Jahan Ishrat, Hasan A B M Nahid
North South University Global Health Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
J Alzheimers Dis Rep. 2024 Jul 13;8(1):1041-1054. doi: 10.3233/ADR-240055. eCollection 2024.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing public health concern affecting millions of individuals worldwide. This disease burden is exacerbated in countries like Bangladesh, where public awareness and knowledge about the condition remains limited.
This study aimed to assess the level of AD knowledge, awareness, and perceived threat among family caregivers of individuals with chronic physical conditions of Bangladesh.
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the caregivers of patients selected via convenience sampling in six public hospitals between October 2022 and March 2023. The data was collected via face-to-face interviews employing a semi-structured questionnaire that contained information about socio-demographic characteristics, personal experiences with AD, knowledge of AD, level of awareness regarding AD, and perceived threat toward AD.
The findings revealed a poor knowledge of AD among the study participants. Regarding AD awareness, 52.5% considered memory loss in older individuals abnormal, 26.2% attributed AD to causes like black magic, psychological distress, or bad eyes. Regarding perceived threat, 60.2% wanted to assess their AD risk, while 68.2% disagreed with the likelihood of developing the disease. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, place of residence, education, and employment status significantly contribute to AD knowledge scores.
This study highlights the urgent need for public education and awareness campaigns to address the knowledge gap and reduce stigmatization associated with AD in Bangladesh. Targeted efforts, particularly among older age groups and rural communities, can enhance understanding and improve the quality of care and support for AD patients and their caregivers.
阿尔茨海默病（AD）是一个日益严重的公共卫生问题，影响着全球数百万人。在孟加拉国等国家，这种疾病负担更加严重，因为公众对该疾病的认识和了解仍然有限。
本研究旨在评估孟加拉国患有慢性身体疾病患者的家庭照顾者对AD的知识水平、认知程度和感知到的威胁。
2022年10月至2023年3月期间，在六家公立医院通过便利抽样选取患者的照顾者进行了一项描述性横断面研究。通过面对面访谈收集数据，采用半结构化问卷，内容包括社会人口学特征、AD个人经历、AD知识、AD认知水平以及对AD的感知威胁。
研究结果显示，研究参与者对AD的了解较差。在AD认知方面，52.5%的人认为老年人记忆力减退不正常，26.2%的人将AD归因于黑魔法、心理困扰或视力不好等原因。在感知威胁方面，60.2%的人希望评估自己患AD的风险，而68.2%的人不同意自己患这种疾病的可能性。多元线性回归分析显示，年龄、居住地点、教育程度和就业状况对AD知识得分有显著影响。
本研究强调迫切需要开展公众教育和宣传活动，以弥补知识差距，减少孟加拉国与AD相关的污名化现象。有针对性的努力，特别是在老年群体和农村社区，可以增强理解，提高对AD患者及其照顾者的护理和支持质量。
