Enablers and Barriers to Utilisation of Available Formal Support by Institutionalised Individuals with Alzheimers Disease and Related Dementias in Rural South Western Uganda: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

Vallence Niyonzima, Samuel Maling, Zeina Chemali

Background: The world’s population is ageing resulting in a larger number of people living with dementia. Prevalence of dementia for persons aged above 60 years is expected to increase. There is paucity of information regarding formal support available for institutionalised individuals with AD/ADRD, enablers and barriers to its utilisation particularly South Western Uganda. Therefore, this study, filling this knowledge gap, sought to assess formal support available for individuals with AD/ADRD, enablers and barriers to its utilisation in rural communities in South Western Uganda.

Methods: This study was conducted in two nongovernmental community-based facilities for the elderly in South Western Uganda employing a qualitative cross-sectional study design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit caretakers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. A total of 28 in depth interviews and 6 key informant interviews were conducted.

Results: Three arching themes emerged: 1) Formal support services available, 2) Enablers and 3) Barriers to the utilisation of the formal support services in institutionalised patients with AD/ADRD in rural communities in South Western Uganda.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of formal care in the long-term care of individuals with AD/ADRD. There is a dire need to equip caretakers involved in the care of patients with AD/ADRD with the required skill set and include formal support services in the mainstream primary health care to make the services accessible.

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