Public Health.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• Dementia burden in Africa is rising due to aging populations and limited social support.
• Cultural beliefs often misinterpret cognitive decline as normal aging, witchcraft, or sorcery, hindering medical intervention.
• Lack of awareness and a specific term for dementia in many African cultures contribute to misconceptions and isolation of affected individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perceptions and experiences of clinical professionals regarding dementia in African contexts.
• To identify barriers to effective dementia diagnosis and care among healthcare providers in Africa.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 UK-based Nigerian nurses and physicians.
• Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using NVivo 12 Pro software.
• Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clark's guidelines to identify key themes.

Main Results:

• Dementia is perceived as "textbook knowledge" among Nigerian clinical practitioners, with practice influenced by cultural beliefs.
• Four key themes emerged: cultural influence on awareness, clinical training and experience, limited expertise and resources, and government priorities in mental health.
• Cultural perceptions often override clinical understanding, leading to delayed or inadequate care.

Conclusions:

• Raising public awareness about dementia is crucial for addressing the condition in Africa.
• Enhanced training, resources, and institutional support are necessary for clinical professionals to effectively diagnose and manage dementia.
• Overcoming cultural stigma and misconceptions requires a multi-faceted approach involving healthcare professionals, institutions, and policymakers.