title: Cross-cultural differences in levels of knowledge about epilepsy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health Services Research, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Doughty
authors.forename: Gus A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jacoby
authors.forename: Virginie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lavaud
mesh_terms: 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