Factors contributing to Korean adolescents' perceptions of stigma with respect to epilepsy

Abstract We assessed knowledge and perceptions of epilepsy held by Korean adolescents in the general population, and investigated factors important in adolescents’ perceptions of stigma with respect to epilepsy. Surveys were distributed to students at 22 schools. A total of 1377 students participate...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Epilepsy & behavior 2010-12, Vol.19 (4), p.627-630
Main Authors: Rho, Young Il, Lee, Sang-Ahm, Yim, Soo Bin, Chu, Minkyung, Park, Hyeon Mi, Lee, Geun-ho, Park, Sung-Pa, Jung, Dae Soo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior
Adolescents
Epilepsy
Epilepsy - epidemiology
Epilepsy - psychology
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Surveys
Humans
Knowledge
Linear Models
Male
Neurology
Perception - physiology
Republic of Korea - epidemiology
Schools
Social Stigma
Stigma
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract We assessed knowledge and perceptions of epilepsy held by Korean adolescents in the general population, and investigated factors important in adolescents’ perceptions of stigma with respect to epilepsy. Surveys were distributed to students at 22 schools. A total of 1377 students participated. Fewer than half of all students (45.1%) reported hearing or reading about epilepsy. Overall, students showed a general lack of familiarity with and knowledge of epilepsy. Stigma perception scores were significantly higher in boys than in girls ( P < 0.05) and in middle school than in high school ( P < 0.05) students. We also found that stigma perception scores were significantly correlated with both younger age ( r = –0.074, P = 0.006) and lower knowledge scores ( r = –0.404, P = 0.000). Linear regression analysis showed that stigma-related perception was associated with lower knowledge scores ( P < 0.001) and middle school ( P < 0.05). These results indicate a need for public education of adolescents in the general population to decrease the stigma associated with epilepsy.
ISSN:1525-5050
1525-5069
DOI:10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.09.013