International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

Forms and effectiveness of stigma interventions for Dementia in Southern Africa: a systematic review

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Choongo Mulungu 1
Cherubim Nkhata 2
Mataa Moses Mataa 1
Gladys Muyembe 1
Sultana Yasmin-Muchindu 2
Astridah Kona Yihemba Maseka 1
1 Lusaka District Health Office PO BOX 50827
2 University of Lusaka Box 36711
10.30491/ijbs.2026.583260.2324
Abstract
Introduction: Dementia is an escalating public health concern in Southern Africa, where stigma, cultural misconceptions, and witchcraft accusations hinder timely diagnosis and care. Although dementia-related challenges are increasingly recognized, the region remains under-represented in stigma research compared to East and West Africa. Methods: This review applied Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping framework and PRISMA guidelines to identify peer-reviewed and grey literature published since 2010. Thematic analysis was conducted to examine cultural, structural, and institutional factors shaping perceptions and caregiving experiences. Results: Key themes included public stigma, supernatural attributions, linguistic marginalization, caregiving strain, affiliate stigma, and health system gaps such as limited diagnostic access and weak referral pathways. Regional contrasts revealed community-based stigma reduction in East Africa, youth awareness gaps and caregiver abuse in West Africa, and structured anti-stigma initiatives in high-income countries. In Southern Africa, interventions remain largely at pilot stages. Conclusion: Addressing dementia stigma in Southern Africa requires culturally tailored messaging, caregiver support, and strengthened health systems to improve diagnosis, referral, and community awareness.
Keywords
Dementia
Southern Africa
Stigma Forms
Witchcraft accusations
Interventions
International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 November 2026