Motivators for family carers of persons with dementia in Kenya

Christine W. Musyimi*, Levi A. Muyela, David M. Ndetei, Diana Thakya, Victoria N. Mutiso, Elizabeth Mutunga, Sara Evans-Lacko, Nicolas Farina

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: The number of people with dementia is on the rise in Kenya and across Africa. Although family carers act as the main providers of dementia care in Kenya, there is still a significant knowledge gap regarding why family members care for someone with dementia. This study explores perceived drivers of care for people with dementia in a rural Kenyan context. Methods: Participants were recruited in Makueni County, Kenya. Primary data were derived from a focus group discussion (FGD) and five individual interviews with family carers of people with dementia. To complement interpretation, triangulation occurred through using data from FGDs with healthcare workers and members of the general public. All audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and inductive thematic analysis performed using NVIVO 12. Results: Using the Positioning Theory, we sought to generate information pertaining to motivation for becoming a family carer. Five themes emerged from the analysis and included: (i) self-fulfillment, (ii) familial obligation, (iii) cultural and religious beliefs, (iv) reciprocity, and (v) societal pressures. These themes described the nature of care given to people with dementia, based on what the participants perceived as compelling and/or motivating factors. Conclusions: Our findings describe the unique motivators of family carers for people with dementia in Kenya. The ability to find meaning in the caregiving experience could contribute to development of effective support systems, interventions and policies for dementia carers with the aim of improving the overall quality of dementia care in Kenya.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere6120
JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Volume39
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2024

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental Health

Keywords

  • beliefs
  • caregiving
  • culture
  • dementia
  • familial obligation
  • Kenya
  • reciprocity

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