Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


Dissertation_candi.pdf (975.4 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Exploring the Experiences of Nigerian Female Dementia Caregivers

Nwakasi, Candidus C
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5727-1694
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1574869417297074

Abstract Details

2019, Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, Gerontology.
There is no formal word for dementia in Nigeria. Instead, people consider dementia an inevitable part of aging. Even so, people with dementia and their families are at risk of stigmatization. With its rapid aging, increased risk of dementia, and lack of formal long-term care, this study focused on the experiences of Nigerian women who are caring for a relative with dementia since women are at the center of informal long-term care in the country. The study employed a qualitative descriptive method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 adult informal female caregivers in Anambra, Nigeria. Data were then analyzed for themes. Afterwards, focus groups involving 21 adult Nigerians residing in Ohio, US, were conducted to offer more insight on the findings. Three major themes were identified: making sense of dementia symptoms; perceived caregiving challenges and support; and “why we do it,” which relates to the major reasons these women provide care. Understanding the experiences and perceptions of Nigerian female informal dementia caregivers is important to improving caregiving quality and quality of life of the caregiver and the person with dementia. Increasing dementia awareness is also important to mitigate the potential threats of stigmatization associated with dementia in Nigeria. Findings point to a likely growing household burden that affects some older adults and their families, especially adult women, and draws attention to the need for strategies to help strengthen informal caregiving in Nigeria. The study also identifies the need for dementia education and formal long-term care policies in a rapidly aging Nigeria.
Kate de Medeiros (Committee Chair)
Sara McLaughlin (Committee Member)
Katherine Abbott (Committee Member)
Jennifer Kinney (Committee Member)
Amy Roberts (Committee Member)
91 p.
African Studies; Aging; Families and Family Life; Gender; Gerontology; Health; Health Care; Public Health
dementia caregiving; Sub-Saharan Africa; sociocultural factors; dementia education; caregiving issues; long-term care; dementia awareness; dementia in Nigeria; female caregivers in Africa; Qualitative study

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Nwakasi, C. C. (2019). Exploring the Experiences of Nigerian Female Dementia Caregivers [Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1574869417297074

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Nwakasi, Candidus. Exploring the Experiences of Nigerian Female Dementia Caregivers . 2019. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1574869417297074.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Nwakasi, Candidus. "Exploring the Experiences of Nigerian Female Dementia Caregivers ." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1574869417297074

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1574869417297074
378
© 2019, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.