Examining courtesy stigma among foreign health care workers caring for persons with Alzheimer’s disease: A focus group study

ABSTRACT

Studies have shown that courtesy stigma is common among informal caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Guided by attribution theory and using focus group methodology, we examined this topic among 12 foreign health care workers. Findings revealed that stigma is noticeable in the everyday reality of foreign workers caring for persons with dementia and that its management is shaped by beliefs and knowledge about the disease in their original countries, and by knowledge gained as caregivers. Greater understanding of stigma among foreign workers is crucial for advancing knowledge in the area and for improving the care provided to persons with Alzheimer’s disease.

KEYWORDS:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• dementia
• foreign health care workers
• stigma