Abstracts

Rationale: Epilepsy is a severe burden, globally associated with high degree of stigma with a negative impact on quality of life (QOL) in people with epilepsy (PWE) (Boer et al. 2008; Covanis et al., 2015). Previous studies by our group demonstrated lower QOL in PWE, compared to several European countries (Guekht et al., 2007; Melikyan et al., 2012). Investigations of the level of stigma are needed to develop appropriate measures; however, no large population based studies in Russia have been published. The purpose of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitude towards PWE in Moscow. Methods: Face-to-face interview was performed to persons ?-18 years old; permanent residents of Moscow. The study population included 1167 persons. The questionnaire investigated three major issues, modified from the study by Caveness and Gallup (1980): Familiarity with epilepsy, Understanding of epilepsy, Attitude toward PWE. Results: I. Familiarity with epilepsy. Most respondents (82%) heard of epilepsy and almost half of them (48%) knew someone with epilepsy. The level of familiarity increased with age of respondents. II. Understanding of epilepsy. The belief that epilepsy is a type of mental retardation was reported by 60% of respondents, more frequently (p < 0.01) by persons with secondary school education vs people with university degree. Majority of respondents (61%) considered epilepsy to be incurable (men more often than women; p < 0.01). III. Attitude toward PWE. Many respondents (44%) reported that they would object their child to marry a person with epilepsy, and more than a half of respondents (56%) would object their child to play and study with a child with epilepsy. Comparison to studies addressing stigma in different countries, has been performed. (table 1). Conclusions: This is the first large study on knowledge and attitude towards PWE in Russia. The Russian public is familiar with epilepsy, but, compared to studies in other countries, it has a rather low level of understanding of essential aspects of the disease. Substantial proportion of study participants reported negative attitude towards PWE in association with very personal issues such as marriage and children (similar to some other countries). Gender, age and education were the most important factors, influencing epilepsy stigma. The level of knowledge and attitude towards PWE in Russia demonstrate the need for targeted interventions. Funding: -