RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Epilepsy: a general practice study of knowledge and attitudes among sufferers and non-sufferers.
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 453
OP 457
VO 43
IS 376
A1 J L Dawkins
A1 P M Crawford
A1 T G Stammers
YR 1993
UL http://bjgp.org/content/43/376/453.abstract
AB The aim of this study was to examine epilepsy sufferers' attitudes to and knowledge of their condition, the effect of epilepsy on their lives and their views on the management they had received, and to compare knowledge and attitudes with those of a control group of non-sufferers. A questionnaire was completed by 29 patients with epilepsy and 32 control group subjects from two general practices. It was found that people with epilepsy knew little more than those without epilepsy regarding the nature of the condition, its aetiology and seizure precipitants. Those with epilepsy were concerned about the seizures and the effect these had on various aspects of their lives, and were concerned about long-term side effects of anti-epileptic medication. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to educational achievement, employment record and social activities. The findings are discussed and suggestions put forward for improving the care offered to epilepsy sufferers by both general practitioners and hospital clinics.