Alumni

Background: Dementia literacy, which encompasses knowledge, attitudes, and the ability to access and evaluate dementia-related information, is crucial for effective caregiving and public health initiatives. This dissertation investigates three dimensions of dementia literacy, scientific, cultural, and informational, among Indonesian foreign caregivers in Taiwan. To date, no studies have specifically examined dementia literacy within this population. Furthermore, existing dementia literacy instruments in Indonesia assess only scientific and cultural dimensions; therefore, it is necessary to conduct psychometric validation of tools measuring informational dementia literacy among older adults in Indonesia.

Methods: The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase involved the psychometric validation Indonesian version of Consumer Access, Appraisal, and Application of Services and Information for Dementia (CAAASI-Dem-INA) among 319 older adults in Indonesia. A cross-sectional design was used, and data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to establish the instrument’s structural validity, reliability, and internal consistency. The second phase focused on assessing dementia literacy among 250 Indonesian foreign caregivers in Taiwan. A structured questionnaire incorporating the CAAASI-Dem-INA, the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS-INA), and the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS-INA) was administered. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to explore associations between dementia literacy and various demographic, experiential, and socioeconomic factors.

Results: The psychometric evaluation of CAAASI-Dem-INA demonstrated strong validity and reliability, with CFA showing an acceptable model fit, moderate correlation of convergent validity (DKAS-INA r .423, DAS-INA r .422, p < .001), and strong internal reliabilities (Cronbach’s alpha .934, composite reliability .744 – .930) further supported the tool’s reliability. Among Indonesian foreign caregivers in Taiwan, the scientific dementia literacy level was influenced by factors such as age, marital status, and previous dementia care experience. Furthermore, the study found that formal dementia training significantly enhanced caregivers’ understanding and confidence in providing dementia care. Cultural dementia literacy was influenced by the length of stay in Taiwan. Caregivers who had resided in Taiwan longer exhibited more positive attitudes towards dementia, suggesting that cultural integration and exposure to Taiwan’s healthcare system played a role in improving literacy levels. Younger caregivers and those with internet access showed higher informational dementia literacy.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of improving dementia literacy through targeted educational interventions, particularly for foreign caregivers and older adult populations. While the CAAASI-Dem-INA was validated as a reliable tool, further refinement is needed to address validity concerns and ensure its effectiveness across diverse caregiving contexts. Additionally, acculturation and language proficiency emerged as significant factors influencing dementia attitudes among foreign caregivers, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive training programs.
Application in Practice: The study’s implications extend to both healthcare policy and caregiving practice. The validated CAAASI-Dem-INA instrument provides a valuable tool for assessing dementia literacy and can be integrated into national dementia education programs in Indonesia. In Taiwan, structured training programs tailored to the linguistic and cultural backgrounds of foreign caregivers can enhance their competency and confidence in providing dementia care.