Role of community health workers in addressing dementia: A global perspective

Alam, Rifat Binte

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/108351 Copy

Description

Title

Role of community health workers in addressing dementia: A global perspective

Author(s)

Alam, Rifat Binte

Issue Date

2020-05-13

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Schwingel, Andiara

Department of Study

Kinesiology & Community Health

Discipline

Community Health

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

Community Health Workers, Dementia

Abstract

The current increase in dementia prevalence suggests a need for public health intervention. While prevention is crucial, lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare system and shortage of health workforce are significant shortcomings. Therefore, adopting a process that increases utilization of community health workers (CHWs) is a promising strategy. This review synthesizes existing research on roles of CHWs in dementia related services to improve dementia care. PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, CABI Global Health, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library were searched for specific keywords. A cited reference search and reference list search were also conducted. Among the ten eligible articles, six cross-sectional, two pre-post, one longitudinal and one qualitative study were found. Four broad aspects emerged as potential roles of CHWs. Four studies focused on screening for dementia, two on screening for HIV-associated dementia (HIV-D), three on dementia education and one on advance care planning (ACP) conversations. The dementia education intervention was conducted among the underrepresented and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Nine of the ten studies (90%) found the CHWs to be efficient in performing the interventions. The CHWs were trained and results were evaluated. CHWs were influential in bridging the community and the healthcare system and addressed dementia through cost effective approaches. Their engagement in multiple wide-ranging programs in future may help to prevent, screen and manage dementia.

Graduation Semester

2020-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108351

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2020 Rifat Alam

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