DASI-K

The Dementia Anti-Stigma Intervention in Rural Kenya (DASI-K Project) is a three-year initiative led by the Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health (AFRIMEB) in Kenya, in collaboration with the University of Plymouth, UK. The project seeks to reduce stigma surrounding dementia in rural Kenya and improve knowledge, attitudes, and health-seeking behaviors among community members.

Why now: Stigma remains one of the major barriers to early diagnosis and care for people with dementia, often driven by misconceptions such as beliefs linking the condition to witchcraft or viewing it as a normal part of ageing.

The study is being implemented in Makueni County and involves three phases. The first phase focuses on assessing public stigma through a household survey of 600 adults and 20 in-depth interviews to understand how stigma towards people with dementia manifests and why it forms.

Intended outcome:

The intervention, delivered by trained Community Health Promoters, includes interactive group sessions that promote understanding of dementia, demystify myths and misconceptions, and encourage inclusion.

Funders: The Alzheimer’s Association..

Research Lead:  Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health (AFRIMEB) & University of Plymouth, UK.