title: Knowledge of epilepsy among persons with epilepsy in Turkey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  It has been shown in studies that there are knowledge gaps about epilepsy in both developing and developed countries all around the world. Lack of knowledge exists even among people with epilepsy (PWE), and this may affect their lives negatively. This study aimed to evaluate what PWE in Turkey know about their disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  A self-completed questionnaire consisting of demographic details, an item about perceived stigmatization, and 24 items about general knowledge of medical and social aspects of epilepsy was developed. Applicants were asked to answer 'true', 'false', or 'do not know' to each statement. The scores of the questionnaire were defined as low (< 15 point), medium (≥ 15-20), and high (≥ 20).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean score on the questionnaire was 15.17 ± 3.74 (range, 4-24). One hundred twenty-five PWE (37.9%) scored low, 170 PWE (51.5%) scored medium, and 35 PWE (10.6%) scored high. The education level and household income were highly correlated with the knowledge level. Higher education level (r: 0.31) and high income (r: 0.25) were correlated with higher mean scores (p < 0.01). Lack of information was present particularly in terms of etiology, management of seizures, and medication during pregnancy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We documented the knowledge deficit of PWE about their disease, a situation that may lead to suboptimal management and negative attitudes. We concluded that study programs should be organized and more education should be provided to PWE in order to overcome these issues.
authors.affiliation: Bakirkoy Education and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Neurology Department, Istanbul, Turkey; Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital, Neurology Department, Istanbul, Turkey; Antalya Education and Research Hospital, Neurology Department, Antalya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Dilek
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Atakli
authors.affiliation: Bakirkoy Education and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Neurology Department, Istanbul, Turkey; Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital, Neurology Department, Istanbul, Turkey; Antalya Education and Research Hospital, Neurology Department, Antalya, Turkey. Electronic address: drpelindogan@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Pelin
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dogan Ak
authors.affiliation: Bakirkoy Education and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Neurology Department, Istanbul, Turkey; Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital, Neurology Department, Istanbul, Turkey; Antalya Education and Research Hospital, Neurology Department, Antalya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Betul Tekin
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Guveli
authors.affiliation: Bakirkoy Education and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Neurology Department, Istanbul, Turkey; Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital, Neurology Department, Istanbul, Turkey; Antalya Education and Research Hospital, Neurology Department, Antalya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Burcu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yuksel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012640:Seizures / Q000523:psychology*; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants
keywords: Knowledge of epilepsy among patients; Stigmatization