Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Epilepsy is often associated with discrediting representations even in the developed countries. The prevalence of disease is 3-5 in thousand. PURPOSE: Our purpose was to assess social and cultural representation of epilepsy in the elderly in two French departments (Haute-Vienne and Creuse). METHODS: An analysis of the answers given by 380 (190 in Haute-Vienne and 190 in Creuse) persons aged 65 and more, selected with the method of quota, during a face to face interview using a questionnaire which explores the representations of epilepsy. The interview was done in 2003 during the local step of an international multi centric community survey entitled " Mental disorders: Image and Realities in community sample". RESULTS: Beliefs in supernatural causes of epilepsy, witchcraft, curse and punishment are more important in elderly aged 65 and more prevalent compared to the younger subjects; it's the opposite for social causes (conflicts, bereavements, stress). The alimentary interdictions are also persistent. Medical assistance keep a good place in the knowledge of the therapy of epilepsy. It showed that those aged 65 and more in Haute-Vienne had social and cultural representation of epilepsy, generally more pessimistic than those of the persons aged less than 65. CONCLUSION: The study confirmed a decrease in the stigma about epilepsy. This data suggest a better consideration of the social and cultural representations in the fight against epilepsy even in western countries.
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Authors | F Rafael, C Dubreuil, Jean A Prado, F Burbaud, Jp Clement, Pm Preux, P Nubukpo |
Journal | Annals of neurosciences
(Ann Neurosci)
Vol. 17
Issue 2
Pg. 60-2
(Apr 2010)
ISSN: 0972-7531 [Print] United States |
PMID | 25205873
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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