Knowledge and Attitudes about Dementia Patients: A Comparative Study between Japanese and Indonesian Dental Students

To assess and compare the knowledge and general attitudes toward dementia patients among dental students in Japan and Indonesia.

This observational cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey from March to June 2024 in two universities in Japan and Indonesia. Participants were second, fourth, and sixth-year dental students (N = 189). The Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) and Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS), in both Japanese and Indonesian versions, were used to evaluate dementia-related knowledge and attitudes. Group comparisons were conducted to assess differences between Japanese and Indonesian students.

Among the 189 participants, 64 were Japanese, and 125 were Indonesian; the majority were female. Japanese students were more frequently exposed to dementia-related information through university curricula and public health campaigns. Based on the DKAS, 65.6% of Japanese students had high knowledge scores, whereas according to the DAS, 53.6% of Indonesian students demonstrated positive attitudes. Regardless of the knowledge level, most of the students show a positive attitude toward dementia patients. Spearman's correlation analysis showed no significant association between knowledge and attitude scores.

Japanese dental students showed higher dementia-related knowledge, while Indonesian students demonstrated more positive attitudes. These findings suggest that factors beyond formal education, such as personal experience, may influence attitudes toward dementia. Exposure through both formal education and non-formal experiences is essential to strengthen dental students' knowledge and attitudes toward dementia, ultimately improving their preparedness to provide oral healthcare for individuals living with dementia. Further research is needed to explore these factors.