Correlates of family caregivers' knowledge about Alzheimer's disease.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to assess family caregivers' level of knowledge about Alzheimer's disease and its correlates.


METHODS
Two hundred and twenty informal caregivers of an elderly person suffering from Alzheimer's disease were recruited from four large memory clinics across the country and interviewed by trained research assistants.


METHODS
Knowledge of the disease was assessed using a questionnaire including 17 items examining general knowledge, symptoms, treatment and services. Independent variables included caregivers' socio-demographic characteristics, patients' clinical characteristics and characteristics of the caregiving situation.


RESULTS
Overall, low levels of knowledge were found, especially in items related to the prevalence, causes and symptoms of the disease. Low education and being a spouse were the most important vulnerability factors associated with poor knowledge.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research on the correlates of caregivers' knowledge about AD should be promoted in order to allow better decision-making processes and better matching of the needs of caregivers and intervention programs.
Werner
P
P
Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Studies, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel. wernerp@netvision.net.il
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease; D017028:Caregivers; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012944:Social Support