Factors associated with dementia-related stigma and associated domains in adolescents: A Systematic Review Protocol

Background: To develop evidence-based anti-stigma programmes for adolescents, underlying factors that drive dementia-related stigma in adolescents need to be captured. However, it is unclear which factors play a role in dementia attitude formation in adolescents. This is a protocol for a systematic review that will seek to identify factors associated with dementia attitudes in adolescents (10-18 years old).

Methods: A systematic search strategy will be used to identify observational data in which factors are associated with dementia-related stigma and associated domains (e.g. attitudes, beliefs, perceptions). Systematic searches for articles will be conducted in the following databases: PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Open Access Theses and Dissertations. Titles and abstracts will be screened with the assistance of machine learning software (ASReview), prior to reviewing full texts. Following data extraction, quality assessment of study and risk of bias will be assessed using the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT). The protocol is written in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines.

Results: Descriptive data of the studies will be reported in tables and summarised narratively and split into thematic headings guided by the results of the systematic review. Identifying which factors are implicated in attitudes towards people living with dementia will allow researchers to be better informed in which factors may be a useful target for more tailored and effective dementia related anti-stigma-initiatives.

Discussion: The findings from this systematic review will help guide future research to identify groups that may be at the greatest risk of developing stigmatising attitudes and potential targets for future intervention.