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Care arrangements for people with dementia in developing countries
1Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London, UK. m.prince@iop.kcl.ac.uk
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
|February 6, 2004
Summary
Family caregivers in developing nations face significant strain, comparable to developed countries, despite traditional family support systems. This highlights a critical need for policy intervention to address the growing dementia care burden.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Developing countries face a rapid demographic shift towards an aging population.
- This demographic trend will result in a substantial increase in the number of individuals with dementia.
- This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of dementia care arrangements in these regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess dementia care arrangements in developing countries.
- To examine caregiver characteristics, care provision, and the impact of caregiving.
- To compare caregiving experiences across diverse global settings.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive and comparative study design was employed.
- Data were collected from 24 centers across India, China, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
- Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview and General Health Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- 706 individuals with dementia and their caregivers were interviewed.
- Caregivers were predominantly women living in extended family households.
- Despite family support, caregiver strain was high, with many reducing work and incurring expenses for care and health services.
- Poorer countries showed higher healthcare expenditure relative to per capita GNP.
Conclusions:
- Older individuals in developing countries are integral to family structures.
- High levels of family strain associated with dementia care contribute to cycles of disadvantage.
- These findings underscore the need for policy attention from developing world policymakers.