Knowledge levels and sociodemographic influences on dementia awareness in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

<b>Purpose:</b> This study aims to examine the level of knowledge about dementia among the public and explore differences in knowledge between sociodemographic groups.<br /> <b>Materials & methods:</b> This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study surveyed individuals living in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Dementia knowledge assessment scale (DKAS) was used to measure knowledge about dementia. Multiple regression was used to identify the significant predictors of higher levels of knowledge about dementia.<br /> <b>Results:</b> Among 1,030 participants, the mean DKAS score was 20.5 (standard deviation=10.3) out of 50. A higher level knowledge about dementia was significantly and positively associated with university education (β=2.42; p=0.010) and income higher (β=2.78; p=0.001). On the other hand, the total DKAS score was significantly and negatively associated with being male (β=-1.78; p=0.003), not knowing a person with dementia (PwD) (β=-.56; p<0.001), and not living with a PwD (β=-1.57; p=0.120).<br /> <b>Conclusions: </b>The level of knowledge about dementia is low among people living in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Enhancing the community’s knowledge and awareness about dementia and its related topics should be considered at the regional or national levels.