Exploration of Multidimensional Needs in a Dementia Colombian Population: Preliminary Qualitative Results

Abstract Background World population is ageing, and as a result, dementias are becoming one of the major challenges for societies. Dementia involves patients, caregivers, professionals and the health system; for this reason, in Colombia, we need inplemented a diffent health policy models with a social justice approach. To contribute as input to a national strategy on dementia, our first step is multidimensional needs information gathering. To evaluate the perceived needs of a group of Colombian patients with dementia and their caregivers under a Social Justice framework using the Needs Assessment Methodology. Method We designed an information‐gathering program consisting of the first phase of a semi‐structured interview and the second phase of focal groups. We will triangulate both results using mixed methods. Nevertheless, this abstract only addresses the first phase. Due to social distancing, we designed a computerized interview using google forms that could be self‐answered through the internet or assisted through telephone. We obtained a telephonic approved informed consent before we enrolled any participant. In this interview, we evaluated the seven aspects of the need assessment methodology regarding the caregiving of dementia or the experience of suffering dementia. Result We conducted the interviews between September 2021 to December 2021. We included a total of 68 caregivers and fifteen dementia patients. Most caregivers were women, with ages between 27 to 72 years. Two‐thirds were familiar unpaid caregivers. We found that caregivers identified a lack of adequate resources provided by the health system. However, the burden of caregiving appears to be low in our context, and the results suggest that informal agreements within the families allow to distribute of the responsibilities. Conclusion caregivers in Colombia appear to present high resiliency and be assumed as an extended family responsibility even under the perception of neglected provision of resources by the health system.