Knowledge and attitudes of clinical physicians towards Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: an observational cross-sectional study from Palestine.

BACKGROUND

Dementia is a common global health concern with mortality and morbidity concerns with no cure, making clinical physicians’ knowledge and attitude essential for patient care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitude among clinical physicians toward Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

METHODS

A questionnaire was used in this cross-sectional study. 479 clinical physicians in Palestinian hospitals were surveyed. In addition to physicians’ demographic variables, the questionnaire assessed knowledge and attitudes toward dementia and related disorders using the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS).

RESULTS

Among participating physicians, the mean age was 28.57 years (SD = 7.39), and 263 (54.9%) were male. By professional category, the participants included interns (46.3%), board-certified Specialists (20.7%), general Practitioners (19.8%), and residents (13.2%). The mean Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) score was 19.64 (± 3.33) out of 30, representing 65.46% of the total score, indicating a moderate level of knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease among practicing physicians. No significant differences in the mean ADKS scores between the different levels of practicing physicians (p-value = 0.422). Female physicians had higher ADKS scores than male physicians (p-value = 0.008). Regarding attitude, the mean Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) score was 89.64 (± 12.26) out of 140, representing 64% of the maximum score, indicating a neutral attitude among practicing physicians toward dementia. A weak positive correlation was observed between the ADKS and DAS scores of practicing physicians (ρ = 0.186, 95% CI: 0.096–0.274, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Palestinian physicians have moderate knowledge and a neutral attitude towards dementia and related disorders, highlighting training shortcomings. Programmed educational interventions, combined with clinical updates, may help improve physicians’ knowledge of dementia and foster a more positive attitude toward patients with dementia, thereby enhancing competencies in dementia care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not Applicable.