Gary Cheung1, Kerry Appleton2, Michal Boyd3, Sarah Cullum1. 1. Department of Psychological Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 2. University of Otago, Otago, New Zealand. 3. School of Nursing and Freemasons' Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The number of Asian New Zealanders with dementia is growing. The objective of this study was to explore with a group of Asian health care professionals about public attitudes towards dementia in Asian communities in New Zealand, the stigma of dementia, and how best to develop culturally appropriate services for Asian people and families living with dementia. METHODS: A focus group was conducted with a group of bilingual Asian health care professionals. A topic guide was developed based on the discussion at a prior meeting with the Cross Cultural Interest Group. The data were independently analysed by three researchers using the thematic qualitative methodology. RESULTS: Eleven overseas-born Asian health care professionals (Chinese: n = 9, 82%) participated in the focus group. Four main themes emerged from the data: (a) cultural interpretations of dementia; (b) stigma; (c) filial piety; and (d) inequity in the availability of resources. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that much work is needed to destigmatise dementia in New Zealand Asian communities, through psychoeducation, public awareness, and the availability of readily accessible services that can meet their cultural and language needs.
OBJECTIVE: The number of Asian New Zealanders with dementia is growing. The objective of this study was to explore with a group of Asian health care professionals about public attitudes towards dementia in Asian communities in New Zealand, the stigma of dementia, and how best to develop culturally appropriate services for Asian people and families living with dementia. METHODS: A focus group was conducted with a group of bilingual Asian health care professionals. A topic guide was developed based on the discussion at a prior meeting with the Cross Cultural Interest Group. The data were independently analysed by three researchers using the thematic qualitative methodology. RESULTS: Eleven overseas-born Asian health care professionals (Chinese: n = 9, 82%) participated in the focus group. Four main themes emerged from the data: (a) cultural interpretations of dementia; (b) stigma; (c) filial piety; and (d) inequity in the availability of resources. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that much work is needed to destigmatise dementia in New Zealand Asian communities, through psychoeducation, public awareness, and the availability of readily accessible services that can meet their cultural and language needs.
Authors: Crystal Y Chan; Gary Cheung; Adrian Martinez-Ruiz; Patsy Y K Chau; Kailu Wang; E K Yeoh; Eliza L Y Wong Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2021-04-20 Impact factor: 3.921
Authors: Gary Cheung; April Yuehan Su; Karen Wu; Blake Yue; Susan Yates; Adrian Martinez Ruiz; Rita Krishnamurthi; Sarah Cullum Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-01-24 Impact factor: 3.390