Dementia-Related Knowledge Attitudes, and Practices among Family Medicine Residents

Abstract

Purpose: Primary care physicians are often the first to encounter dementia patients, highlighting the importance of their roles in early detection and management. This study evaluates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dementia of family medicine residents (FMRs) in T & uuml;rkiye. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2022 using an online questionnaire distributed to family medicine clinics across T & uuml;rkiye. The questionnaire, consisting of three sections, demographics, the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS), and the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS), was distributed using Google Forms. Results: Three hundred ninety-three FMRs, with a mean age of 28.9 +/- 3.0 years, 71.2% of whom were women, participated. The mean DKAS score was 18.33 +/- 5.11, and the mean DAS score was 93.48 +/- 12.29. Higher knowledge levels were associated with receipt of postgraduate training, experience in dementia care, and willingness to screen for dementia. Positive attitudes were associated with more years in residency, a family history of dementia, and prior dementia-related education. Conclusion: FMRs demonstrated limited knowledge of, but positive attitudes toward dementia. This study underscores the need for enhanced dementia training in residency programs to improve early detection and management skills among primary care physicians. Addressing gaps in knowledge and confidence can lead to better patient outcomes and more effective dementia care.