title: Self-perception of stigma in persons with epilepsy in Tehran, Iran.
abstract: Epilepsy is one of the most stigmatizing medical conditions worldwide. It could be argued that the problem of stigma and discrimination might be different in an Islamic culture. A cross-sectional study of 130 patients with epilepsy was performed using the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) questionnaire that was adapted for epilepsy. The questionnaire contained 29 items on a 4-point scale in addition to an open-ended question about experience of discrimination. An average score above the midpoint (2.5) is suggested to indicate a high level of stigma. Approximately 23.7% of the patients reported a score above the midpoint. Unemployment and low education were significantly associated with a high level of internalized stigma. Although epilepsy can be effectively treated, patients in Tehran still experience much stigma. For this reason, strategies for reducing self-perception of stigma should be included in a treatment plan.
authors.affiliation: Umea University, Sweden. Ghaneanh@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Helia
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ghanean
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jacobsson
authors.forename: Marzieh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nojomy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D013240:Stereotyping; D055815:Young Adult