Filial Piety Under Pressure: A Qualitative Study of Dementia Caregiver Burdens in Rural China
Abstract
China has the world's highest dementia prevalence, disproportionately impacting rural areas. Nevertheless, few prior studies have examined the lived experiences of rural dementia caregivers. Six themes emerged from 25 in-depth interviews with these caregivers: 1) limited knowledge and misconceptions of dementia, 2) motivation for caregiving, 3) the quartet of burdens, 4) family conflicts and tension, 5) coping strategies, and 6) areas of need for support. Findings reveal how filial piety, structural constraints, and low dementia literacy interactively shape caregivers' experiences. Culturally relevant policies and service infrastructure are necessary to support dementia caregivers in rural or low-resource regions in China.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving
Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
Family Caregiving in Mental Illness
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 69
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 1–21
- Publication date
- 13 January 2026
- Language
- EN