J Korean Neurol Assoc.  2021 Aug;39(3):158-164. 10.17340/jkna.2021.3.7.

Survey on Public Awareness of Neurology in Korea

• Park J
• Kim H
• Park JH
• Shin WC
• Lee IK
• Lim JS
• Yang J
• Hong SB
• Park KH

• KMID: 2518933
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17340/jkna.2021.3.7

Abstract

Background
Neurology in Korea is a field of clinical practice and research that has been developing for over 30 years, but due to its relatively short history, public awareness is low compared to other clinical fields. The Korean Neurological Association conducted a survey to evaluate the Korean public’s awareness of neurology and the necessity of a name change. This study details the second survey conducted on the topic, with the first being conducted in 2013. The two surveys were compared to identify how the public’s awareness of neurology has improved since 2013 and determine how this can be improved.
Methods
The survey was conducted by Gallup Korea, where 1,000 participants were randomly selected and interviewed through telephone surveys.
Results
Of the 1,000 participants, 78.5% were familiar with Neurology, similar to the results of the 2013 survey. Meanwhile, when asked about neurological diseases, only 27.9% of the participants recognized neurological diseases correctly. The most accurately recognized symptoms related to Neurology were tremors (57.8%), strokes (55.5%), and dizziness (49.7%). In 2013, 61.7% of the participants thought a name change was necessary. In comparison, only 38.4% responded it needed to change in the recent survey.
Conclusions
The preference for Neurology’s current name in Korea has improved since 2013 despite no significant change in the public’s awareness of neurology. More active public relations activities are needed to improve awareness of neurology in the future.

Keyword

Neurology; Surveys and questionnaires; Awareness