title: Past and present public knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy in Italy.
abstract: A nationwide survey was performed in Italy to assess awareness and attitudes of the public about epilepsy. Knowledge about epilepsy, its clinical features, and attitudes towards its social/individual implications were tested in a telephone interview. Included were 819 women and 737 men aged 18+years. 93.4% declared they knew epilepsy, 56.6% knew a person with epilepsy, and 45.1% saw someone seizing. Only 29.2% gave an exact estimate of the prevalence of the disease. 50.4% were unaware of the causes, 56.1% indicated that epilepsy was a psychological/psychiatric disease, 36.5% a form of insanity, and 4.1% an evil spirit possession. Epilepsy was incurable according to 35.5%. Moderate-to-severe restrictions to driving, regular employment, military career, and leisure activities were suggested by 79.8, 57.0, 71.1, and 57.6%. Limitations included marriage and procreation for 46.2 and 38.7%. Knowledge and attitudes varied with education, age and gender. These findings are partly in keeping with other worldwide reports.
authors.affiliation: Sapienza Università di Roma, Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche, Policlinico Umberto no. 1, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Oriano
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Mecarelli
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Capovilla
authors.forename: Antonino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Romeo
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rubboli
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tinuper
authors.forename: Ettore
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Beghi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001364:Awareness; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged