Dementia knowledge and attitude in rural Kenya: Associations with sociodemographic, religious, and experiential factors

Abstract Introduction Misconceptions about dementia are widespread internationally, leading to stigmatizing attitudes and discrimination. This study aimed to understand how sociodemographic, religious, and experiential factors are associated with dementia knowledge and attitudes in rural Kenya. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among the general public in Makueni County, Kenya. Regression models examined associations between sociodemographic, religious, and experiential variables with dementia knowledge and attitudes. An attitude target for dementia was calculated to estimate knowledge level required to improve attitudes. Results A total of 630 participants were recruited. Dementia experiences were associated with better dementia knowledge (ΔR 2 = 0.10, p < 0.001) and attitudes (ΔR 2 = 0.06, p < 0.001), although sociodemographics accounted for the greatest variance. Religious factors had small but significant variance in the models (ΔR 2 ≤ 0.03), with visiting a spiritual healer being associated with poorer dementia knowledge ( B = −1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] −2.53 to −0.42). Regression models revealed that a target knowledge score of 49.5/50 on the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) would be required to statistically achieve the aspirational threshold of 102 on the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) in this sample. Conclusions Geographic disparities and cultural factors influence dementia‐related stigma. Having past experiences of dementia is key to improving attitudes.