Cross-cultural differences in levels of knowledge about epilepsy.
OBJECTIVE
To study how much people with epilepsy in Europe know and understand about their condition and how this might affect their lives.


METHODS
Clinical, demographic, psychosocial details and information assessing knowledge were collected by using self-completion questionnaires mailed to members of epilepsy support groups.


RESULTS
Data were collected from 6,156 people with epilepsy from ten European countries. There were significant between-country differences in all variables considered. Overall levels of knowledge were acceptable when measured by the epilepsy knowledge questionnaire (EKQ, medical items). However, there were some gaps in knowledge, particularly in issues relating to medication and cause of epilepsy.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the largest study of its kind to date. Results clearly highlighted that levels of knowledge differed significantly between countries. Overall, people with epilepsy are reasonably well informed about epilepsy, although some gaps in knowledge were evident.
Doughty
Julie
J
Centre for Health Services Research, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Baker
Gus A
GA
Jacoby
Ann
A
Lavaud
Virginie
V
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012803:Sick Role