title: [Epilepsy and public education].
abstract: The social problems experienced by persons with epilepsy become increasingly apparent to those who work closely with group associations. The objective of our study was to obtain information on personal attitudes and knowledge about epilepsies. Primary and high-school teachers and professors (medical and non-medical areas) were submitted to a questionnaire which was designed to obtain this information. We concluded that most professors (including those of medical areas) do not know enough about epilepsies. We believe that problems which are perceived by epileptics regarding social aspects may be softened through improved education of the community in general. Continued education of medical practitioners, professors, teachers, patients and their families leads to a positive attitude towards epilepsies, which are essential and may help to improve life quality and the patient's medical treatment.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, FMUMC, Brasil.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Simonatto
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Albuquerque
mesh_terms: D004827:Epilepsy / Q000523:psychology*; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
vernacular_title: Epilepsia e educação pública.