@article{27649,
  keywords = {Stigma (health related), Health Personnel, Epilepsy, Bhutan, Attitudes},
  author = {Brizzi K and Deki S and Tshering L and Clark S and Nirola D and Patenaude BN and McKenzie E and McLane HC and Cash S and Dorji C and Mateen F},
  title = {Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding epilepsy in the Kingdom of Bhutan.},
  abstract = {<p><strong>Objective</strong> To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of epilepsy among healthcare workers (HCWs) and people with epilepsy (PWE) living in Bhutan.</p>

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<p><strong>Methods</strong> 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.</p>
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<p><strong>Results</strong> 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&lt;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.</p>
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<p><strong>Conclusions</strong> 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.</p>
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},
  year = {2016},
  journal = {International health},
  issn = {1876-3413},
  doi = {10.1093/inthealth/ihw017},
  language = {eng},
}