Abstract
Background: The increasing prevalence of dementia affects individuals, their families, and society. The stigmatisation of dementia leads to poor well-being, social isolation, and delayed support. Improving public awareness and attitudes is crucial to mitigate these effects. Effective anti-stigma interventions require an understanding of the determinants of dementia-related attitudes, and identifying ideal targets. Young people (10-18 years old) are particularly susceptible to attitude change but remain an under-researched demographic for shaping societal perceptions. This thesis aims to identify the determinants of dementia-related attitudes among young British people.Method: This thesis employs review methodology and quantitative cross-sectional methods. First, a scoping review identified measures capturing dementia-related attitudes in young people. Second, using textual narrative synthesis, a systematic review identified factors associated with dementia-related attitudes in young people (10-18 years old). Third, a cross-sectional secondary data analysis (n=470) explored dementia-related attitudes in 12-15-year-olds, employing validated questionnaires, multiple regressions, and structural equation modelling. Fourth, a cross-sectional survey recruited 11-18-year-olds (n=1,600) across six regions of England. Structural equation models identified whether modifiable factors (e.g., contact, empathy, knowledge) or demographic factors (e.g., age, ethnicity, sex) are more important determinants of dementia-related attitudes. Descriptive statistics were obtained on the various experiences and knowledge of dementia. Lastly, using questionnaires and an implicit attitudes test, a sub-study examined the association between implicit and explicit dementia-related attitudes in 13-18-year-olds (n=130).
Results: The scoping review identified 13 unique measures (n=14 studies), revealing gaps in psychometric properties and theoretical frameworks. The systematic review identified seven factors (n=8 studies), with contact and knowledge, consistently associated with attitudes. The secondary data analysis indicated empathy as a key mediator between contact and attitudes. The cross-sectional survey found that modifiable factors (empathy, level of contact, and dementia knowledge) were the strongest mediators in the SEM. Young people also held common misconceptions about dementia, with contact mainly through media. Adolescents generally had 3 positive direct experiences of dementia. The exploratory sub-study found no association between explicit and implicit attitudes.
Conclusion: This thesis contributes to the understanding of how factors such as level of contact and empathy potentially play a crucial role in forming dementia-related attitudes in young people. This thesis is the first to explore these factors in young people beyond associations, by presenting the interactions of these determinants. This thesis addresses a population gap by recruiting more diverse socio-demographic groups.
| Date of Award | 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Naji Tabet (Supervisor), Nicolas Farina (Supervisor) & Ben Hicks (Supervisor) |