J Korean Neurol Assoc.  1997 Apr;15(2):257-266.

Knowledge and attitude toward epilepsy in some Taegu-kyungbook residents

• Lee Y
• Kim SS
• Lim JG
• Yi SD
• Park YC

Abstract

The previous studies had shown that our society had stigma about epilepsy. These studies were not enough to establish practical and concrete educational program for the general population. This study was carried out to evaluate the knowledge of and attitude toward epilepsy in general population. The subjects consist of the population of 1722 apparently healthy persons who reside in Taegu city and Kyungpook province. The questionnaire consists of 39 items concerning knowledge of epilepsy and 20 items of attitude toward epilepsy and epileptic patients. Seventy percent of respondents answered that epileptics have grand mal seizure as their unique type of seizure. Sixty-eight percent were not confident of drug therapy for epilepsy, and 53% considered that epilepsy is a genetic disorder. The score of negative attitude toward car driving and marriage in epileptics was high. The score of knowledge of epilepsy and of attitude toward epilepsy and epileptics show a significant correlation with age and level of education. Although the group of public servant, teacher and professor had relatively high score in knowledge of epilepsy, they had much more negative attitude toward driving and marriage of epileptics. The group of nurse-teacher had higher knowledge and much more affirmative attitude. It is suggested that an educational program to epilepsy should have special emphasis on the etiology, type of epilepsy and efficacy of medical treatment in epilepsy.

MeSH Terms

Daegu
Surveys and Questionnaires
Drug Therapy
Education
Epilepsy*
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Humans
Marriage
Seizures