(Measuring) attitudes towards Dementia

Abstract

For this research the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) was translated and validated for the Dutch general population. In addition to this hypotheses have been formed on variations in attitudes towards dementia. Face validity and construct validity were established. No proof was found for convergent validity with the Approaches towards Dementia questionnaire. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis of the DAS showed a different factor distribution as during the original development of the scale, which was similar as the factor distribution as during the validation of the scale. The original DAS is not fit for use among the Dutch general population. Regression analysis showed significant positive relationships between knowing a person that works with people with dementia, and frequent contact with a person with dementia on one’s attitudes towards dementia. Covariate analysis showed no significant differences based on age, education and sex. Further research should be done to explain variations in attitudes towards dementia.