Public perception of epilepsy: A survey from the rural population in Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

Jiamjit Saengsuwan1 , Suwanna Boonyaleepan1 , Jitpinan Srijakkot1 , Kittisak Sawanyawisuth2 , Somsak Tiamkao2 * N. Auevitchayapat3 , S. Arunpongpaisal3 , A. Chaiyakum3 , S. Jitpimolmard3 , S. Lertsinudom3 , W. Phuttharak3 , K. Phunikhom3 , Tiamkao Si3 , and S. Vannaprasaht3

We conducted a survey to assess public awareness and attitudes towards epilepsy in five provinces of the Northeastern Thailand. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by using a face-to-face interview. There were 964 subjects who were randomly selected by a multistage sampling with a response rate of 86.9% (831 participants). There were 449 (60.0%), 102 (12.3%) and 127 (15.3%) participants who had heard of epilepsy, known someone with epilepsy, and witnessed a seizure, respectively. About 80 and 99% of the participants did not know the causes and types of epilepsy, respectively. More than half of the participants (58%) believed that epilepsy cannot be cured. The negative attitude rate ranged between 8 - 90%. The highest item was “persons with epilepsy cannot live in the society like other people.” Age, gender, income, and provinces were significantly correlated with the negative attitudes. Six out of the ten questions regarding attitude toward epilepsy were significant correlated with knowledge. In conclusion, public perception of epilepsy is lacked and needs attention. Knowledge particularly regarding causes of epilepsy and attitudes toward epilepsy are closely related. Public education intervention is suggested to improve public attitudes of epilepsy.