Cultural adaptation of group and individual cognitive stimulation therapy (cst) for Chinese people with dementia: formative research

Abstract

Introduction: Ageing of the Chinese population will drive the continued surge in dementia prevalence. Empirically tested non-pharmacological interventions developed in western countries may be implemented in Chinese. Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) originated in the UK has proven benefits on cognition and quality of life in people with dementia. Objectives: To investigate the feasibility and appropriateness of CST in Hong Kong Chinese. Methods: Mixed methods research was conducted following the Formative Method for Adapting Psychotherapy. A culturally adapted CST-HK, developed involving multidisciplinary stakeholders, was tested in a pilot multicentre study in people with mild dementia (n=30) receiving community or residential care. Opinions from family caregivers and group facilitators (n=25) on group and individual CST were collected through focus groups and in-depth interviews. Results: Cognition and quality of life remained stable with group CST, with 54% of participants showing no cognitive deterioration, and 23% showing clinically meaningful improvement in cognitive function. Family caregivers and group facilitators expressed good acceptance of CST. Key issues in cultural adaptation are (1) less active opinion sharing in group discussions due to the cultural values of conservatism/cautiousness; (2) willingness of adult children to deliver individual CST, but resistance of the person with dementia due to family hierarchy; and (3) selective motivation for participation in certain CST sessions and engagement format because of Chinese pragmatism. Culturally adaptive solutions are proposed. Conclusion: CST is feasible and appropriate in Hong Kong Chinese, with similar cognitive benefits observed in western populations. A culturally adapted version of CST-HK was developed for larger-scale implementation. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared