W. C. WONG
The Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Title: Stigma towards Dementia in Asian Cities: A Literature Review
Biography
Biography: W. C. WONG
Abstract
The Open University of Hong Kong, Division of Nursing and Health Studies, School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR Background: With the rise of ageing population, dementia population will soar in the coming decades in Asia. Western studies stated that dementia patients always suffered from stigma; thus they hesitate to seek diagnosis until late stage. Despite the prevalence of dementia, studies concerning the stigma of these people are lack in Asia. Purpose: This article aims to review stigma towards dementia in Asian cities. Method: Criteria were set for searching among published studies listed in various databases, including MEDLINE, CINCAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest, and Springer Link. Asian articles investigated the stigma of dementia were included. Articles with the words “dementia”, “Alzheimer’s disease”, “stigma”, “perception”, “attitude”, “stereotype”, “label” in titles and abstracts were identified. Articles with all types of research designs and methods, regardless of whether in English or Chinese, were included. Articles are limited to year between January 2007 and August 2017. Results: Of the five articles included in this study, four were conducted in Hong Kong and one was from Japan; one was editorial, one was commentary, two was survey and one was cross-sectional study. Samples were recruited from community. Authors proclaimed that stigma on dementia patients were strong in Asian cities. Older people and people who rarely contacted dementia patients inclined to have stronger stigmatization. In addition, higher level of stigma associated with lower care seeking intention. Conclusion: Studies concerning stigma on dementia patients were insufficient in Asian countries. More studies should be conducted to explore condition of stigmatization, so strategies to reduce stigma can be established.