
Beatriz Sarmento
Polytechnic University of Leiria, PortugalPresentation Title:
Health literacy of informal caregivers on Alzheimer's disease
Abstract
Introduction: The demographic projections of Portugal point to the evolution and complexity of care for a person with dementia (PwD). Informal caregivers (IC) play a fundamental role in the provision of this care, and literacy level is a predictor in PwD care.
Objectives: To explore the knowledge of IC about dementia.
Methods: Study of quantitative, cross-sectional and exploratory approach. Data were collected through the dissemination of online questionnaires in non-governmental associations from January to February 2021. For the participation of this study, the rigor of ethical and legal aspects was fulfilled with the approval of the Project by the Ethics Committee of the Polytechnic of Leiria.
Results: 28 IC participated in this study. The majority are female (75%), with an average age of 54.04 years (±12.46), with a high level of educational qualifications and a close relationship with PwD. They provide care on average 4.18 years (±2,41). It is considered that 57.14% of IC have a level 3 (on a scale of 1-5) in the way they provide care, and according to the Knowledge Scale of AD, since these dominate the knowledge about care, however they reveal to have a greater difficulty in understanding about the pathology itself.
Conclusions: It is possible to verify that IC do not consider themselves qualified with the information necessary to take care of the PwD. They identify the importance of receiving information about the evolution of dementia and resources/support in the community. IC mention the need to create new health literacy programs.
Biography
Licensed since 2021 by the Polytechnic University of Leiria, Beatriz has professional experience in various areas of Occupational Therapy. From pediatrics in a hospital and clinical context, to intellectual and physical disabilities in young people and adults, and geriatrics in a senior residence context. In an academic context, she was present in 5 clinical education locations in different areas, such as Occupational Activity Centers, Cerebral Palsy Associations, Hospitals, among others. Still as a student, Beatriz participated in Conferences and Workshops as a speaker for her project on Health Literacy for Informal Caregivers. From the same project came the candidacy and selection to be present at the 18th WFOT Congress in Paris. As a participant, he has already attended various training sessions, webinars, workshops, as well as online and in-person courses. She joined the Portuguese Association of Occupational Therapists and translated international guidelines from the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Beatriz is currently working in a clinical and school context with children and young people.