Knowledge and beliefs about epilepsy among people with and without epilepsy in urban Suriname.

Reducing the burden of epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries requires understanding of the cultural aspects of epilepsy. This cross-sectional study among individuals attending a clinic in an urban setting in Paramaribo, Suriname aimed to obtain information on the knowledge of and attitudes towards epilepsy and epilepsy treatment, comparing people with epilepsy (PWE) to those without epilepsy. This study also explored the help-seeking behavior and experience of having epilepsy in PWE. While the results of interviews with 49 PWE and 33 controls compared favorably to studies conducted in similar countries, a significant minority of PWE still rely on traditional remedies. Prejudices regarding social roles, schooling, and occupational choices of PWE also remain prevalent. Currently, the major source of information for both groups is the media, but there could be opportunities for the local epilepsy association to play a larger role. These findings, despite some selection bias, could be useful in bringing conventional medical treatment strategies to more PWE in Suriname, as well as empower patient organizations in designing stigma-reducing interventions.

Incidence and treatment of central nervous system tumors in Suriname.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of central nervous system (CNS) tumors in Suriname. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed at the Academic Hospital Paramaribo and the State Health Insurance foundation. Patients receiving a diagnosis of CNS tumor in the period 2000-2010 were included in the study if a computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging study was available. Demographic data and patient characteristics and disease variables were retrieved. RESULTS: The study comprised 251 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of treated CNS tumors was 5 per 100,000 per year. There was a peak incidence in the 41-50 age group and a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.46. Of CNS tumors, 21% were gliomas, 26.7% were meningiomas, 4.7% were schwannomas, and 12.0% were pituitary adenomas. Suriname has a low glioma incidence compared with globally (40%-60% of CNS tumors globally). The incidence of pituitary adenoma was higher than expected. There are indications for a higher glioma and meningioma incidence in Javanese and a higher metastases incidence in Creoles. CONCLUSIONS: The annual incidence of treated CNS tumors of 5 per 100,000 inhabitants in Suriname was in accordance with the expectation of an incidence of 3-6 per 100,000. Suriname is considered a country with a low cancer incidence. The differences found among various subgroups were too small to make definitive statements.