Abstract:
Objective: This study aimed to determine knowledge, perceptions and practices towards dementia in adults
seeking health services at a selected hospital in Lesotho.
Method: The descriptive quantitative research design was used in conducting the study. A sample of 52
participants were selected using convenience sampling method. Data was collected using pre-tested semistructured questionnaire written in both English and Sesotho languages. Data was analyzed through the use of
Microsoft Excel, presented on frequency tables, pie charts and bar charts.
Results: The study results revealed that there is dearth of knowledge towards dementia (27%), majority of
participants (n=26) had insuffient knowledge towards dementia. On the perception, 26.9% strongly perceived
dementia as witchcraft and 34.6% of participants disregard dementia as part of the aging process. As much as
majority of participants (63.5%) reported that demented people should be hospitalized, 13.5% of adults still
believed that demented people should seek prophetic help.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is need to raise awareness regarding mental health such as dementia
so that affcted individuals and families may be supported accordingly.
