Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2017.56.03.06

Public Awareness, Understanding and Attitudes Towards Epilepsy in Montenegro

Sanja Vodopić ; Clinical Department of Neurology, Clinical Centre of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro; School of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
Slavica Vujisić ; Clinical Department of Neurology, Clinical Centre of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro; School of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro

Abstract

Stigma remains a distressing consequence of epilepsy worldwide. We assessed stigma markers among citizens of Montenegro. Randomly selected adults aged 18 to 65 were interviewed using a 10-item questionnaire, which had been used in similar settings. Descriptive statistics, χ2-test and Fisher exact test were used in order to identify factors associated with negative attitudes. After exclusions and refusals, the questionnaire was administered to 1000 people, 91% of whom had heard about epilepsy. Less than half knew someone with epilepsy and 31.5% had witnessed a seizure. One-fifth would object if their child played with a person who had epilepsy and three-quarters would object if their child married a person with epilepsy. Forty percent believed people with epilepsy should be employed in the same way as everybody else. Fewer than 8% of respondents thought epilepsy was a form of insanity. Over 80% favored brain disease as a cause of epilepsy and 95% chose convulsions to be a major feature of an epileptic attack. General awareness of epilepsy in Montenegro is similar to that in other countries. Understanding epilepsy is relatively good but the results suggest that there still are negative attitudes towards people with epilepsy.

Keywords

Epilepsy; Health knowledge, attitudes, practice; Public opinion; Social stigma; Montenegro

Hrčak ID:

191346

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/191346

Publication date:

1.9.2017.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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