Evaluating the effectiveness of the “Dementia Friends” program in Israel on increasing knowledge and reducing stigma about dementia

Abstract

Background

Dementia is a major global public health challenge, and gaps in public knowledge and stigma impede timely diagnosis and inclusive care. The Dementia Friends program is a brief community intervention to improve dementia knowledge and attitudes, but its effectiveness outside the UK, including Israel, is under-evaluated.

Objective

This study examined whether participation in the Israeli Dementia Friends program was associated with changes in dementia-related knowledge and stigma. In addition, we assessed whether perceived susceptibility, familiarity with dementia, and self-perception as a change agent were linked to these changes.

Methods

A pre-post research design included 820 participants at baseline (Time 1) and 205 at a three-month follow-up (Time 2). Participants completed questionnaires on subjective and objective dementia knowledge, stigma (emotional reactions and discriminatory behavior), perceived susceptibility, and perceiving oneself as a change agent. Data was analyzed using t-tests, analyses of variance (ANOVA), and regression analyses.

Results

Significant increases were found in subjective (p = 0.005) and objective (p = 0.019) dementia knowledge, with improved positive emotional reactions (p = 0.012). Negative emotional reactions decreased (p = 0.05), but discriminatory behavior showed no significant change (p = 0.75). Higher education was most strongly associated with increases in knowledge, and reductions in perceived susceptibility were associated with decreases in negative emotional reactions and discriminatory behavior.

Conclusions

Program participation was associated with higher dementia knowledge and more positive emotional responses, though discriminatory behaviors persisted. More comprehensive strategies beyond education are needed to fully address stigma.