Familiarity with, understanding of, and attitudes toward epilepsy among
people with epilepsy and healthy controls in South Korea
- Affiliated Author(s)
- 조용원
- Alternative Author(s)
- Cho, Yong Won
- Journal Title
- Epilepsy & Behavior
- ISSN
- 1525-5050
- Issued Date
- 2009
- Abstract
- This study identifies differences between people with epilepsy (PWE) and healthy controls in South Korea
with respect to their familiarity with, understanding of, and attitudes toward epilepsy. PWE and controls
older than 18 years of age were recruited from outpatient clinics and health promotion centers, respectively,
associated with five university hospitals located throughout the country. Structured questionnaires
consisting of 18 items were administered in face-to-face interviews. The sample consisted of
1924 participants (PWE: 384, controls: 1540). The groups did not differ with respect to age, sex, and place
of residence. However, the groups did differ significantly in educational, marital, and occupational status
(P = 0.000). Familiarity with seizures and epilepsy (two items) did not differ significantly between the
groups. Questions pertaining to understanding seizures and epilepsy (seven items) showed that controls
had significantly greater misunderstanding of the etiology and long-term prognosis of epilepsy compared
with PWE. Attitudes expressed toward PWE were significantly different in response to six of seven questions.
Control subjects expressed more negative attitudes toward PWE than did PWE themselves, particularly
concerning potential relationships with their children (e.g., friendships, marriage). In conclusion,
we found significant differences between PWE and controls, particularly with respect to understanding
of and attitudes toward epilepsy. We recommend the development of different strategies for PWE and
controls to improve understanding of and attitudes toward epilepsy and to reduce the knowledge gap
between these groups. Nationwide educational programs conducted by associated organizations and
the government may provide the solution to this problem.
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