title: [Sociocultural aspects of epilepsy in Madagascar. K.A.P. survey carried out in Antananarivo].
abstract: A general population survey on knowledge, attitudes and practices (K.A.P.) concerning epilepsy was conducted from 1st July to 31st December 1997 in Antananarivo, a region representative of ecological and cultural patterns of the Malagasy "Highlands". The sample, randomly selected according to the two-step cluster method, recruited 1392 men and women aged 18 years and older who were interviewed with a 16-item questionnaire. Knowledge and practices have significantly evolved since 1983, when a similar study was conducted. More natural explanations are given for the condition and health-care seeking is more common. However, popular attitudes towards the epileptic patient remain contradictory: the majority of those interviewed claimed to be tolerant; work and marriage could be envisaged for the epileptic patient, but not total freedom of movement nor regular school attendance. A more active popularisation of the disease thus appears to be necessary. Since some 60% of people had a radio, broadcasting and church involvement would be the most effective means towards this end. Traditional practicer do not seem to have an overwhelming influence; rather, healthcare seeking behaviour was determined by the availability of service, the efficacy of the intervention and cost. To be representative of Madagascar as a whole, our data should be compared to those of other surveys in more culturally enclosed and disadvantaged areas.
authors.affiliation: Clinique neurologique, Hôpital universitaire de Mahajanga, Madagascar.
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Andriantseheno
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Rakotoarivony
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008270:Madagascar; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000208:ethnology; D008402:Mass Media; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014504:Urban Health
vernacular_title: Aspects socioculturels de l'épilepsie chez le Malgache. Enquête C.A.P. faite à Antananarivo.