Self-perception of stigma among epilepsy patients in Malaysia

Rathor, Mohammad Yousuf and Shahar, Mohammad Arif and Omar, Ahmad Marzuki and Mohd Shah, Azarisman Shah and Draman, Che Rosle and Tin, Maw (2018) Self-perception of stigma among epilepsy patients in Malaysia. International Medical Journal Malaysia, 17 (1). pp. 113-120. ISSN 1823-4631

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Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy remains a stigmatised disease across geographical and temporal boundaries. Very little is known about epileptic stigma (ES) in cross-cultural settings. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of perceived stigma and factors associated with it, among patients with epilepsy (PWE) at a tertiary care referral hospital in East Coast of Malaysia. Methods: A cross sectional survey among 132 consenting PWE using pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire in Malay/English language to assess their knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs). Results: Among 132 respondents, 51.5% were male and 48.5 % were female. Their age ranged from 14 to 70 years (mean=31.6±13.41). Majority (53.8%) of them were aged 30 years or younger. The median number of years they had epilepsy was 8.0 (IQR 4.0-18.8) years and average duration of seizure prior to seeking medical attention was 1.0 (IQR 0.3 - 4.5) year. Most of them (90.9%) did not know the cause of epilepsy; however nearly all (91.7%) believed that it was a disease of the brain. Higher education level respondents possessed significantly higher KAP scores compared to lower education level respondents (p<0.001). Respondents with good KAP scores believed that epilepsy was not contagious and they observed greater social tolerance. Conclusion: Our study suggests that there is an inverse relationship between knowledge and ES. Self-perceived stigma was more common among our PWE. The results suggest that there is a critical need to enhance epilepsy education amongst the PWE beyond mere seizure control.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	2309/48293
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Epilepsy, stigma, attitudes, prejudice, Malaysian population
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA643 Communicable Diseases and Public Health
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Internal Medicine
Depositing User:	Professor Dr Mohammad Yousuf Rathor
Date Deposited:	26 Apr 2018 15:46
Last Modified:	30 Jul 2018 16:19
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/48293

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