Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Arab Americans, a growing US population, face unique barriers in dementia and mental health research.
• Limited research exists on dementia and mental health within this community, hindering healthcare needs assessment.
• Hesitancy to participate in research impedes understanding and addressing healthcare disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore foreign-born Arab Americans' perceptions and knowledge of dementia and mental health research.
• To identify cultural factors influencing research engagement in this population.

Main Methods:

• Conducted three in-person focus groups (n=28) in Arabic and English.
• Utilized semi-structured interviews, audio-recording, transcription, and translation.
• Applied inductive thematic analysis and concluded with an educational session.

Main Results:

• Identified themes: varied research understanding, low awareness of early dementia symptoms, significant stigma and fear.
• Barriers included lack of knowledge, apprehension, mistrust, and competing priorities.
• Strategies for enhancement: community education, outreach, and incentives.

Conclusions:

• Cultural factors significantly shape perceptions of research, dementia, and mental health.
• Culturally tailored education and increased research literacy are vital.
• Building trust and community engagement are essential for inclusive healthcare research.