title: The development of a questionnaire to assess knowledge of epilepsy: 1--General knowledge of epilepsy.
abstract: It is well documented that knowledge is a vital factor in the ability to cope successfully with epilepsy. Misconceptions and deficits in knowledge have implications not only for psychosocial well-being but also for medical compliance. However, at present there is no commonly accepted objective measure of knowledge of epilepsy. The development of the Epilepsy Knowledge Profile--General (E.K.P.--G) is presented in this paper. Fifty-five true/false items (34 medical knowledge items, 21 social knowledge items) were selected by a range of experts in the field of epilepsy. A clinical trial of the questionnaire was then completed by 82 people with epilepsy attending a city centre outpatient clinic. Results indicated that the scale has both good internal reliability and test-retest reliability. Also the range of scores indicates that it is sensitive to differences in knowledge. Potential uses of the questionnaire are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Epilepsy Centre, Quarriers Village, Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jarvie
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Espie
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Brodie
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012803:Sick Role; D012917:Social Adjustment
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants