Predictors of dementia knowledge in a rural general public sample

To investigate dementia knowledge within a rural Australian general public cohort and understand demographic predictors of knowledge in this population.

A cross-sectional study comprising quantitative surveys.

321 participants were recruited from the Tasmanian general public (February-September 2017).

28% of participants were from remote or outer regional postcodes; the remainder were from inner regional areas. The median age was 46 years; 35% were male. 30% had participated in prior dementia education, 29% had worked with people living with dementia, and 23% had no identified personal experience of people living with dementia.

No interventions were conducted as part of this study.

Dementia knowledge was assessed using the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale. Demographic variables were also collected.

Mean dementia knowledge was moderate and participants scored highest on the care considerations subscale. Those with personal experience with a person living with dementia scored significantly higher on all subscales, and overall, than those without. Dementia education, general education, and previous work, care or close relationship with people living with dementia were all significant predictors in a regression model explaining nearly a third of the variance in overall dementia knowledge.

While personal experience of dementia improves knowledge of the condition, dementia education is the most important predictor. Deficits identified in knowledge of risk factors, and incomplete knowledge about aspects important to quality care, suggest a need for further education for the general public, particularly in the light of the rising prevalence of dementia in ageing rural populations.