What is it about?
Culture plays a vital role in both dementia care and policy. This study aims to explore the cultural practice and policy influence around caring for People Living with Dementia (PLWD) in Nepal. We conducted a qualitative study to investigate dementia care in Nepal. The study comprised four in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions with 29 participants, including family members, health care professionals, and other stakeholders. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and four major themes (each with several sub-themes) were identified: (1) Cultural practice in dementia care; (2) Impact of policy on the dementia care; (3) Service provision; and (4) Education and training.
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Why is it important?
This study found that cultural practices and dementia-related policy gaps in existing service provision in Nepal. The findings indicate that stigma, misconceptions, social taboos, and limited awareness of dementia hinder early diagnosis of dementia and the care for people living with dementia.
Perspectives
There is a need for community-based awareness raising on dementia and its care, to sensitise all relevant stakeholders to meet the needs of People Living with Dementia (PLWD). In addition, capacity building of health workforce is needed to enhance their knowledge of and skills in providing culturally appropriate dementia care.
Prof. Edwin R van Teijlingen
Bournemouth University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The impact of cultural practice and policy on dementia care in Nepal, BMC Geriatrics, October 2024, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05438-8.
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