Knowledge and Attitudes of two Latino Groups about Alzheimer Disease: a Qualitative Study

Abstract

Clustering Latinos under a single group in Alzheimer Disease (AD) research, neglects, among other things cultural and environmental differences. To address this, we examine knowledge and attitudes about AD among two Latino groups. We held 5 focus groups and 2 interviews all in Spanish with Mexicans and Puerto Ricans between 40 and 60 years old living in the Grand Rapids area in Michigan. Using content analysis of the discussions, we identified themes related to knowledge, attitudes and concerns about AD and caregiving. A total of 20 Mexicans and 9 Puerto Ricans participated. Improving knowledge and awareness, barriers and home-based family care were important themes in both Latino groups. Puerto Rican groups raised more concerns about the disease, whereas lack of knowledge was a key theme among Mexican participants. The exploratory study is a first step in promoting research that is attentive to the commonalities and differences of Latino groups and in continuing efforts to enhance health literacy among these groups.

Informing Dementia Support Programs That Serve Low-Income, Multilingual Communities in a Safety Net Health System: Use of Focus Groups to Identify Specific Needs

“…However, for Spanish-speaking populations served by LAC-DHS, part of this education may also require directly addressing cultural beliefs around dementia and equipping caregivers with tools to educate other family members. Our focus groups identified that many of the historically negative views of dementia, and equating a dementia diagnosis with being “crazy”, can limit family support and may even limit a family’s acceptance of the diagnosis [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 26 ]. As this cultural view of dementia is a fundamental step in accepting dementia as a pathologic disease, we recommend early exploration and education on cultural beliefs of dementia for Hispanic dyads at the time of diagnosis.…”

Creating Cultural and Lifestyle Awareness About Dementia and Co-morbidities

“…The study, involving five focus groups and two interviews in Spanish with participants aged 40 to 60 in Michigan, revealed common themes like improving knowledge and awareness, barriers, and home-based family care. Puerto Rican participants expressed more concerns about the disease, while Mexicans highlighted a lack of knowledge as a significant theme [ 35 ]. While Latino individuals are often categorized based on linguistic similarities, this term encompasses a highly diverse group in terms of geography, culture, race, and genetics [ 36 ].…”

Health Information-Seeking Behavior of Latino Caregivers of People Living with Dementia: A Mixed-Methods Study

“…For instance, some people may search for detailed information on a topic, whereas others may seek brief or no information at all (Ford et al, 2002; Friis et al, 2003; Leydon et al, 2000). In Latino communities, stigma can be associated with the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, receiving mental health services, and placing aging parents in assisted living facilities (Beyene et al, 2002; Cabrera et al, 2021; Fripp & Carlson, 2017; Martinez & Acosta Gonzalez, 2022). This can influence the amount of information Latinos seek about these topics.…”