Effectiveness of a Dementia Anti-Stigma Intervention in Rural Kenya

NCT07180719 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: MUSERC/01424/24
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 184
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

Stigma underlies many health disparities in Kenya, and dementia-related stigma is no different. Preliminary evidence highlights the short-term benefits of a dementia anti-stigma intervention in Kenya. The study aims to ascertain the long-term effectiveness of a locally developed dementia anti stigma intervention in order to establish a community resource that will improve dementia understanding, reduce stigma and improve health behaviours. In AIM 1, the investigators will assess what public stigma towards people with dementia and their carers looks like in Kenya, through a survey (600). Individual interviews with 20 members of the general public who completed the survey will be conducted to explore what stigmatizing beliefs are held and why they form. Triangulation techniques will then be used to integrate quantitative and qualitative data. Reflecting on AIM 1 findings, the investigators will engage 20 key stakeholders to refine an existing anti-stigma intervention, to better target culturally specific misconceptions and negative beliefs about dementia (AIM2). In AIM 3, the investigators will determine the effectiveness of the intervention among members of the general public (n=184), through a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial (SWT).

Conditions

Dementia

Keywords

Dementia; Anti stigma; Intervention; Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Change in Dementia attitudes (measured by the Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS))

  Dementia attitudes will be assessed using the Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS), a validated tool that measures participants' comfort and perceptions when interacting with people with dementia. Scores on the DAS range from 20 to 140, with higher scores indicating more positive attitudes.

  Assessments will be collected at baseline during enrollment of participants, then every 3 months up until 6 months after switch points of the intervention.

• Change in Dementia knowledge (measured by the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS))

  Dementia knowledge will be assessed using the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS), which evaluates knowledge across domains such as causes, symptoms, risk factors, and care of people with dementia. Scores on the DKAS range from 0 to 50, with higher scores reflecting greater knowledge.

  Assessments will be collected at baseline during enrollment of participants, then every 3 months up until 6 months after switch points of the intervention.

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Intervention acceptability

  Immediately post-intervention (within 2 weeks after completion of the 4-session program).

• Change in Dementia engagement (Behavior)

  From baseline during enrollment of participants, then every 3 months up until 6 months after switch points of the intervention.

Study Arms (2)

Control (Pre-Intervention Phase)

NO INTERVENTION

Participants are assessed before they receive the dementia anti-stigma intervention. They continue with usual community experiences and do not receive any intervention activities during this time. Outcomes collected reflect baseline knowledge and attitudes related to dementia in the absence of the intervention.

Post-Intervention Phase

OTHER

Participants are assessed after receiving the dementia anti-stigma intervention, which consists of four structured sessions facilitated by trained community health promoters (CHPs). The sessions focus on improving dementia knowledge, reducing stigma, and promoting supportive attitudes toward people with dementia and their families. Outcomes collected reflect changes in dementia knowledge and attitudes following the intervention.

Behavioral: Dementia anti stigma intervention

Interventions

Dementia anti stigma intervention BEHAVIORAL

The intervention is a train-a-trainer programme contextually developed, for delivery (via demonstrations and role-plays) by lay providers such as community health workers. It includes four sessions that promote: (i) understanding of dementia, (ii) demystifying myths and misconceptions, (iii) empathetic connections using videos of people with dementia and carers (virtual social contact) and (iv) social inclusion through a case vignette and discussions. It is delivered bi-weekly in a group setting and each session ranges between 1.5 to 2 hours.

Post-Intervention Phase

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Residents of Mbooni Sub county
• Aged 18 years and above
• Able to speak the local language (Kamba)
• Have capacity to consent

You may not qualify if:

• Non residents of Mbooni Sub county
• Less than 18 years
• Do not speak the local language
• Have no capacity to consent

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health (AFRIMEB): lead
• Alzheimer's Association: collaborator

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Dementia

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Neurocognitive Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Officials

• Christine Musyimi, PhD

  Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Christine Musyimi, PhD

CONTACT

+254 724572202; christine.musyimi@amhf.or.ke

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Randomization to receive the intervention will be conducted by a blinded independent researcher.
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: SEQUENTIAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 5, 2025
• First Posted: September 18, 2025
• Study Start: September 8, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 28, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 28, 2027
• Last Updated: September 18, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09