Attitudes toward epilepsy, a systematic review
- Author:
Kheng Seang Lim
;
Chin Hwan Lim
;
Chong Tin Tan
- Publication Type:Review
- From:Neurology Asia
2011;16(4):269-280
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Surveys about attitudes towards those with epilepsy have been performed since 1949, in order to
understand the social stigma toward epilepsy. This review aims to demonstrate the variation in public
attitudes towards epilepsy and its associated factors, with a critical review of the methodology used
to examine attitudes towards epilepsy. There was marked variation of attitudes between Western and
non-Western populations, and these attitudes were positively correlated with the standard of living.
Besides the general public, studies were also performed within specifi c groups, particularly teachers
and students. However absence of a standardized questionnaire makes direct comparison diffi cult. A
few quantitative methods were developed but these were limited by cultural variations and thus lack
of global acceptance. Short-term intervention studies demonstrate an improvement of attitude with
knowledge. Nonetheless, the cultural and social reasons underlying the attitudes, and how this affects
the life of people with epilepsy, are understudied. Therefore, surveys on attitudes should continue to be
carried out, particularly in populations prone to have negative attitudes with emphasis on underlying
reasons, and such progress should be monitored longitudinally. Attitudes of people such as parents,
teachers, school counselors, health care professionals, and employers, which have a direct impact on
people with epilepsy, should be more extensively studied.
- Full text:P020150818578683177476.pdf
