The impact of dementia knowledge and attitude on caregiving appraisal among caregivers of older adults with dementia using dementia care centers

Purpose: The aim of the study was to identify dementia knowledge, attitude, and caregiving appraisal among caregivers of older adults with dementia using a dementia care center. Methods: The participants were 113 caregivers of older adults with dementia using a dementia care center. The data were collected using the questionnaires for dementia knowledge, attitude, and caregiving appraisal. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression test using the SPSS/WIN 24.0. Results: Positive correlations were revealed between dementia knowledge and attitude (r=.36, p<.001). Dementia attitude positively correlated with caregiving satisfaction (r=.40, p<.001) and caregiving mastery (r=.31, p<.001). Dementia attitude negatively correlated with caregiving burden (r=-.47, p<.001), caregiving demand (r=-.35, p<.001), and caregiving impact (r=-.40, p<.001). The factors influencing caregiving appraisal were dementia attitude (negative component: β=-.48, p<.001, positive components: β=.41, p<.001, neutral components: β=-.42, p<.001) and caregiving duration (negative component: β=-.28, p=.004, positive components: β=.26, p=.010). These factors contributed negative components (25.2%), positive components (18.4%), and neutral components (25.5%) of the variance in caregiving appraisal. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest it is necessary to develop nursing interventions for caregivers of older adults with dementia to improve dementia attitude.