PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to compare the experience of stigma by persons with epilepsy in Sweden and Iran. METHOD: An adapted version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale was completed by 130 persons with epilepsy in Tehran and 93 patients at a neurology clinic in Sweden. RESULTS: The Swedish subjects reported a significantly lower level of experienced stigmatization than the Iranian patients, which we think is an effect of a more individualized medical treatment and a longer experience of health education in the Swedish society. CONCLUSION: Improved seizure control, legislative measures and health education are major contributory factors for stigma reduction in a society as regards epilepsy and probably also other medical conditions.
PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to compare the experience of stigma by persons with epilepsy in Sweden and Iran. METHOD: An adapted version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale was completed by 130 persons with epilepsy in Tehran and 93 patients at a neurology clinic in Sweden. RESULTS: The Swedish subjects reported a significantly lower level of experienced stigmatization than the Iranian patients, which we think is an effect of a more individualized medical treatment and a longer experience of health education in the Swedish society. CONCLUSION: Improved seizure control, legislative measures and health education are major contributory factors for stigma reduction in a society as regards epilepsy and probably also other medical conditions.