Abstracts

Rationale: Throughout the world and especially in developing countries, epilepsy is associated with stigma, which leads to marginalization and poor treatment of people with epilepsy (PWE). Epilepsy is a common problem in Uganda and has been demonstrated to occur at a rate as high as 27/1000. Understanding the populations' perceptions of the disease can help health practitioners respond to concerns and better treat PWE.Methods: A 22 question open- and closed-ended survey was developed based on Birbeck's previous studies done in Zambia regarding PWE. This instrument was translated into Luganda, the most common local language. A total of 99 people were selected randomly around the entrance of Mulago Hospital to complete the survey. In addition, 8 traditional healers were interviewed in nearby communities, and 96 first year medical students were surveyed. The data was coded and percentages were calculated.Results: Sixty-eight percent of respondents were city based and only 10 had less than a secondary education. Numbers were similar between groups for not letting a child marry someone(79%, 82%) or play with someone (50%, 60%) with epilepsy. Medical students were less likely to think epilepsy was contagious, and less likely to attribute it to witch craft or spirit possession. The majority of respondents thought epilepsy was a mental illness. Medical students and traditional healers reported more negative attitudes among family members and community members than did hospital patrons.Conclusions: Medical students and traditional healers had similar beliefs to the hospital patrons about how they would interact on a personal level with those with epilepsy, however perceived more negative attitudes and treatments by family and community members to people with epilepsy. Medical students were less likely to think epilepsy was contagious or supernaturally caused.