Dementia awareness in Egypt: what do people really know?

Abstract

Abstract Background Dementia is a pressing problem for families and society. In 2019, a total of 57.4 million people worldwide were estimated to be living with dementia, and this number will almost double every 20 years, especially in Africa and the Middle East. This study aimed to investigate knowledge about dementia among the Egyptian population. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among a sample of adult Egyptians using a socio-demographics data sheet and a designed dementia knowledge questionnaire. Results Nearly one-third (33.4%) had a poor knowledge score. The items most often answered incorrectly were the sudden onset of cognitive problems as characteristic of dementia (59.3%). The highest percentage of good knowledge was in the manifestations and prevention domains (62.20% and 67.18%, respectively). On the other hand, the lowest rate of good knowledge was in the treatment and life impact domains (35.23% and 25.70%, respectively). Not working in the medical field (OR 2.656, 95% CI: 1.504–4.688, p < 0.001), had no contact with dementia patients (OR 1.910, 95% CI: 1.229–2.970, p = 0.004), no previous knowledge on dementia (OR 3.184, 95% CI: 1.797–5.642, p < 0.001), or never heard about dementia "Marad Alkharaf" (OR 6.385, 95% CI: 4.127–9.878, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with poorer dementia knowledge. Conclusion The findings of our study indicated variable levels of knowledge of dementia among Egyptians. Our recommendation is to encourage conducting campaigns for raising public awareness about dementia and through media that has an important and widespread effect in reaching the Egyptian population.