Formal help-seeking intentions for dementia in the Australian public: associations with stigma

To understand dementia stigma and help-seeking intentions amongst middle-aged and older community-dwelling Australians, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in February 2023 amongst Australian adults aged ≥45 years. The survey collected demographic data, prior experience with people with dementia, dementia-related public stigma, and formal and informal help-seeking intentions for self and family members (modified General Help-Seeking Questionnaire). Multivariable regression models were used to examine factors associated with help-seeking intentions. Data from 1364 participants were analysed (41.4% aged ≥65 years; 60.7% women). Most participants reported that, if they observed signs of dementia, they were likely to seek help from family or friends (70.7% for self, 77.1% for family member) and from health professionals (83.7% for self, 82.3% for family member). Participants were significantly more likely to seek help formally than informally. There were no differences in formal help-seeking intentions for self or family member. Formal help-seeking intentions were associated with age, education, and previous formal dementia information seeking. There were small, significant associations between help-seeking intentions and dementia stigma factors relating to personhood, incapacity, and social distance; however, the direction of association varied when help-seeking was for self or a family member. This study demonstrates that help-seeking intentions amongst Australian adults were associated with demographic factors, prior help-seeking experience, and dementia stigma. Cross-sectional, scenario-based studies of help-seeking intentions may not sufficiently capture the relationship between dementia stigma and help-seeking behaviour. Future campaigns to increase help-seeking for dementia should consider targeting both cognitive and behavioural aspects of dementia stigma.