Knowledge, attitudes, and stigma towards epilepsy in different walks of life: A study in Georgia

- We estimated the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of a large number of people.
- Participants were compared according to their professional background.
- 10% of those with a medical background considered epilepsy as an untreatable disease.
- Most, including medics, would object to their offspring marrying a person with epilepsy.
- Nearly a third of teachers think epilepsy is a psychiatric disorder.

We conducted a survey to assess public awareness of epilepsy and stigma expression in different social groups in Tbilisi, Georgia. Respondents were divided into those from a medical or paramedical background, those with a nonmedical professional background, and a group with unskilled workers or unemployed individuals. One thousand and sixteen people completed a Knowledge, Attitude and Perception questionnaire. Medical and paramedical professionals had a better general knowledge about epilepsy, its possible causes, and its nature, but their views on treatment and attitudes towards epilepsy were the same or worse when compared to the other groups. Of the respondent, 14% would not let their children play with people with epilepsy, and 75% would not allow their children to marry a person with epilepsy. Nearly a third of teachers considered epilepsy a psychiatric disorder. This suggests a high degree of stigma towards epilepsy in Georgia. Increasing awareness is crucial to ameliorate this.