Attitudes Towards Dementia Among a Diverse Group of Refugees Resettled in the United States.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Forced migration results in exposure to trauma, interrupted access to healthcare, and loss of social support and may increase dementia risk. Literature on refugees' knowledge of dementia and its risk factors is scant. This study investigates refugee perspectives on dementia and their access to cognitive healthcare in the United States (US).

Methods

We conducted 6 focus groups and 30 individual in-depth interviews (total of 69 participants) with Arab, African, and Afghan refugees resettled in San Diego, California. Data was coded using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Organized by the socioecological model of health, the following themes emerged: (1) mental trauma due to migration was linked to dementia (individual); (2) fear of dementia and burdening ca

SUBMITTER: Kaki DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11783969 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature