Alcohol consumption and awareness of its link to dementia development among adults in Uganda: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Alcohol use has a significant mental health impact and is a known modifiable risk factor for dementia. In Uganda, where alcohol consumption rates are high, awareness of its link to dementia remains poorly understood. This study explored the understanding of this relationship among adults in Uganda using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study among 20 adults aged 18 and older, purposively selected from Lira and Isingiro districts in Northern and Southwestern Uganda. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using HBM constructs. Results: Five themes emerged: (1) Perceived susceptibility and severity; some participants recognized that high alcohol intake could lead to memory loss and cognitive decline, though many believed dementia was simply part of ageing; (2) Perceived barriers including peer influence, health myths, habitual use, and easy access to alcohol; (3) Perceived benefits; few believed that awareness of the alcohol dementia link could motivate behavior change; (4) Self-efficacy; some found it difficult to regulate drinking despite recognizing risks; and (5) Cues to action; suggestions included public sensitization and alcohol policy enforcement. Conclusion: Awareness of alcohol’s role in dementia development was limited, and ageing was commonly misperceived as the sole cause of cognitive decline. Misconceptions about alcohol’s health benefits perpetuated its use. Interventions should emphasize education on alcohol’s cognitive effects and promote dementia risk reduction strategies.