Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Deborah Buck, Dr Ann Jacoby
Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.
Purpose: To study the stigma of epilepsy in a European sample. Methods: Clinical and demographic details and information about patient-perceived stigma was collected by using self-completed questionnaires mailed to members of epilepsy support groups. Results: Stigma data were collected from >5,000 patients living in 15 countries in Europe. Fifty-one percent reported feeling stigmatised, with 18% reporting feeling highly stigmatised. High scores were correlated with worry, negative feelings about life, long-term health problems, injuries, and reported side effects of antiepileptic drags (AEDs). Cross-cultural comparisons revealed significant differences between countries. A multivariate analysis identified impact of epilepsy, age of onset, country of origin, feelings about life, and injuries associated with epilepsy as significant contributors on scores on the stigma scale. Conclusions: This study confirms the findings of previous studies that have identified the importance of both clinical and nonclinical factors in understanding the stigma of epilepsy. The results of cross-cultural differences require further explanation, and much more research should be conducted to reduce the stigma associated with epilepsy.
Author(s): Baker GA, Brooks J, Buck D, Jacoby A
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Epilepsia
Year: 2000
Volume: 41
Issue: 1
Pages: 98-104
Print publication date: 01/01/2000
ISSN (print): 0013-9580
ISSN (electronic): 1528-1167
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1528-1157.2000.tb01512.x/pdf
PubMed id: 10643931
