2024 Alzheimer's Association Research Fellowship to Promote Diversity (AARF-D)
Effectiveness of a dementia anti-stigma intervention in rural Kenya
Can an outreach program reduce the stigma associated with dementia for people living in Kenya?
Christine Wayua Musyimi, Ph.D.
Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health (AFRIMEB)
Nairobi, Kenya
Background
Studies report that nearly two-thirds of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias live in low- and middle-income countries. Kenya is a low-income country with a rapidly aging population and a growing number of individuals living with dementia. However, awareness of dementia and its risk factors to individuals in this region is low, and stigma surrounding dementia can lead to social isolation and neglect for those living with the disease. Programs designed to empower individuals with dementia and their caregivers have been successful at increasing community awareness and reducing the stigma associated with dementia.
Dr. Christine Musyimi and colleagues aim to develop an anti-stigma dementia intervention program that will address the specific needs of people in Kenya.
Research Plan
For this project, Dr. Musyimi and the team will first conduct a survey in 600 adults to capture the unique knowledge of and attitudes towards dementia in people living in a rural region in Kenya. They will form a consortium of key stakeholders, including individuals living with dementia and their care partners, clinicians, policy makers, and researchers, to evaluate the survey results, which will guide the development of an anti-stigma intervention program. The content of the program will cover several concepts such as general knowledge of dementia, myths and misconceptions, the negative impact of dementia stigma, and promoting inclusion. Lastly, the researchers will measure success of the program by conducting the same survey in participants before and after completion of the program to assess the program’s impact on their knowledge of and attitudes towards dementia.
Impact
If successful, this project will implement a new program to promote dementia awareness and reduce dementia stigma in Kenya. Results from this study may also be used to develop additional outreach and education programs to improve how individuals with dementia and their caregivers are supported in this region.