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Abstract INTRODUCTION Around 9 million people in India live with dementia, but it often goes unrecognized due to misconceptions and limited awareness. This study evaluated the impact of a codesigned, multilingual short film on dementia literacy, operationalized as dementia knowledge, symptoms, and help‐seeking attitudes. METHODS A national pre–post online and paper‐based survey (English, Hindi, and Kannada) conducted from April 26, 2023 to June 30, 2023. RESULTS Among 415 respondents, median dementia literacy score improved from 8 (Q1 = 6, Q3 = 10) to 10 (Q1 = 8, Q3 = 11), post‐film ( Z = −11.40, p < 0.001). While knowledge improved, participants continued to believe that self‐management at home or consulting faith healers were possible actions along with seeking help from a doctor. Higher dementia literacy scores were observed in women, those in urban areas, with higher education, and in professional occupations. DISCUSSION Short, multilingual, codesigned films can improve dementia literacy in Indian communities, but shifting help‐seeking attitudes may require a different approach.
Rao et al. (Mon,) studied this question.