Authors: Bokang Amelia Mahlelehlele, Reentseng Masakoane, Tseko Maselinyane, Constable Nthabiseng.
Objective: This study aimed to determine knowledge, perceptions and practices towards dementia in adults seeking health services at a selected hospital in Lesotho.
Method: The descriptive quantitative research design was used in conducting the study. A sample of 52 participants were selected using convenience sampling method. Data was collected using pre-tested semistructured questionnaire written in both English and Sesotho languages. Data was analyzed through the use of Microsoft Excel, presented on frequency tables, pie charts and bar charts.
Results: The study results revealed that there is dearth of knowledge towards dementia (27%), majority of participants (n=26) had insufficient knowledge towards dementia. On the perception, 26.9% strongly perceived dementia as witchcraft and 34.6% of participants disregard dementia as part of the aging process. As much as majority of participants (63.5%) reported that demented people should be hospitalized, 13.5% of adults still believed that demented people should seek prophetic help.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is need to raise awareness regarding mental health such as dementia so that affected individuals and families may be supported accordingly.
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