Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Nicole Hamilton

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine how the perceptions of stigma of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affected the help-seeking behaviors of African American caregivers. Data used in this study were collected using semistructured interviews with 11 African American caregivers caring for loved ones diagnosed with AD. The conceptual framework of this study was guided by the stigma theory and the sociocultural health belief model. The four types of social stigmas used to assess the effects of the stigma of AD were public, self, courtesy, and structural stigma. Data were analyzed using the Thematic Content Analysis (TCA). Results provided support that the various stigmas of AD are prevalent in the lives of African American caregivers. Results suggested that stigmas of AD are major contributors to delaying help-seeking among African Americans. Stigmas associated with AD were found to be a perceptible issue in the everyday reality of African American caregivers. Being culturally aware and culturally competent on the effects of AD in African American communities has been shown to be vital to social change. Findings suggested that the stigma of AD deeply influenced the help-seeking behaviors of African American caregivers and revealed that there is a need to work on the negative issues of stigma of AD for significant change. The findings also showed that various factors of stigma of AD should be considered when planning to reduce stigmatic beliefs and behaviors associated with AD in African American communities. The results provided information beneficial to healthcare and human service practitioners, and other professionals on how the stigmas of AD affect the help-seeking behaviors for AD among African American caregivers.

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