Dementia Knowledge Among Kuwait University Students: A Descriptive Study

Background:
In regards to prevention and early intervention for dementia,
knowledge of the population is a key factor. The
aim of this study is to determine the level of understanding
about dementia among students at all campuses at
Kuwait University and so be able to better plan for future
intervention.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in order to examine
the knowledge of dementia among Kuwait University
students across different campuses. An Arabic version of
the DKAS was cross culturally developed and used in this
study. The comparison of the DKAS subscales and the
dementia total score were obtained.
Results:
A total of 1350 students participated in this study. The
results indicated that the students in different campuses
had a significant difference in the dementia total score
(p = 0.000) as well as a significant difference between all
subscales of the DKAS. Total score of dementia knowledge
among students in all campuses was a mean of 15.09
out of 25 and S.D of 3.05. The Causes and Characteristics
subscale was (p = 0.000) with a mean of 4.22 out of
7. The Communication and Behavior subscale was (p =
0.005) with a mean of 2.88 out of 6. The Care Consideration
subscale was (p = 0.019) with a mean of 4.67 out
of 6. The Risks and Health Promotion subscale was (p =
0.000) with a mean of 3.31 out of 6.
Conclusion:
The baseline knowledge of the students was moderate.
Although there were differences in students’ knowledge
across all campuses, all students required improved
knowledge of dementia. This will help us to implement
more appropriate care and support.