Invisible Gaps in the Continuum of Care: A Policy-Oriented Exploration of Support Requirements for Caregivers of older People with Dementia in Underserved Settings
Domaine:
healthcareType de record:
paper
Créateur:
GebWanBetSem
Éditeur:
Hôte:
Background: Dementia is a growing global public health concern that places substantial emotional, social, and economic burdens on family caregivers. In low-resource and conflict-affected settings, caregiving challenges are further intensified by weakened healthcare systems, economic instability, and disrupted social support structures. However, little is known about the support needs of family caregivers of persons living with dementia in underserved settings. This study explored the support requirements of family caregivers providing home-based dementia care in northern Ethiopia.
Methods: A qualitative exploratory descriptive study was conducted between August 2025 and May 2026 in Northern Ethiopia. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 25 family caregivers of older adults living with dementia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide.
Results:The study identified seven major themes: (1) Priority and un met support needs, (2) financial and material support needs, (3) conflict related support needs,(4) social and community support needs, (5) information and educational support needs, (6) needs for improved health system services,(7) policy and institional support needs.
Conclusion: Family caregivers of persons living with dementia in Northern Ethiopia experience multidimensional and interconnected support needs shaped by dementia-related demands, fragile health systems, socioeconomic hardship, and the lingering effects of armed conflict. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated, caregiver-centered, and conflict-sensitive dementia care policies and services that address financial, informational, psychosocial, and community support needs. Strengthening dementia care in Ethiopia requires coordinated efforts across health, social, and policy sectors to improve caregiver wellbeing and sustain home-based dementia care.
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