OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of epilepsy among healthcare workers (HCWs) and people with epilepsy (PWE) living in Bhutan. METHODS: A survey with similar questions was distributed to HCWs and PWE (2014-2015). Responses were compared between the two groups. A Stigma Scale in Epilepsy Score was tested for an independent association with patient age, sex, years of education and presence of seizure freedom using regression models. RESULTS: PWE (n=177), when compared to HCWs (n=75), were more likely to believe that epilepsy is contagious; epilepsy results from karma or past actions; PWE need help in school; and people with epilepsy have spiritual powers (p<0.05 for each comparison). Among people with epilepsy, a higher stigma score was independently associated with lower educational attainment (p=0.006) and presence of a seizure in the prior year (p=0.013), but not age, sex or anti-epileptic drug side effects. CONCLUSIONS: While knowledge of epilepsy was overall fairly high, PWE more often held certain stigmatizing beliefs, including theories of contagion and a relationship between seizures and spiritual powers. Higher educational level and seizure freedom were associated with lower stigma, underscoring their importance in stigma reduction.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of epilepsy among healthcare workers (HCWs) and people with epilepsy (PWE) living in Bhutan. METHODS: A survey with similar questions was distributed to HCWs and PWE (2014-2015). Responses were compared between the two groups. A Stigma Scale in Epilepsy Score was tested for an independent association with patient age, sex, years of education and presence of seizure freedom using regression models. RESULTS: PWE (n=177), when compared to HCWs (n=75), were more likely to believe that epilepsy is contagious; epilepsy results from karma or past actions; PWE need help in school; and people with epilepsy have spiritual powers (p<0.05 for each comparison). Among people with epilepsy, a higher stigma score was independently associated with lower educational attainment (p=0.006) and presence of a seizure in the prior year (p=0.013), but not age, sex or anti-epileptic drug side effects. CONCLUSIONS: While knowledge of epilepsy was overall fairly high, PWE more often held certain stigmatizing beliefs, including theories of contagion and a relationship between seizures and spiritual powers. Higher educational level and seizure freedom were associated with lower stigma, underscoring their importance in stigma reduction.
Authors: Kate Brizzi; Sonam Pelden; Tshokey Tshokey; Damber K Nirola; Megan B Diamond; Joshua P Klein; Lhab Tshering; Sonam Deki; Dechen Nidup; Veronica Bruno; Pierre Dorny; Hector Hugo Garcia; Farrah J Mateen Journal: Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg Date: 2016-09 Impact factor: 2.184
Authors: Veronica Bruno; Joshua P Klein; Dechen Nidup; Damber K Nirola; Lhab Tshering; Sonam Deki; Sarah J Clark; Kristin A Linn; Russell T Shinohara; Chencho Dorji; Dili Ram Pokhrel; Ugyen Dema; Farrah J Mateen Journal: Ann Glob Health Date: 2017-04-07 Impact factor: 2.462
Authors: Peter Dedeken; Stephen N Muhumuza; Fidele Sebera; Josiane Umwiringirwa; Leopold Bitunguhari; Hans Tierens; Dirk E Teuwen; Paul A J M Boon Journal: Int J Public Health Date: 2021-11-18 Impact factor: 3.380