Social-cultural aspects of epilepsy in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania: knowledge and experience among patients and carers.
Epilepsy Behav
; 20(2): 338-43, 2011 Feb.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21216201
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Understanding the social-cultural aspects of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa will help to improve the situation of people with epilepsy (PWE) in this region.METHODS:
This qualitative study comprised interviews with 41 PWE and their carers. Participants were identified from a large community-based epidemiological study of epilepsy conducted in 2009.RESULTS:
Epilepsy was commonly ascribed to witchcraft and curses. Nearly all PWE demonstrated pluralistic care-seeking behavior, including the use of prayers and traditional healers alongside modern care. PWE reported discrimination as a result of their condition. The majority of PWE had suffered burns during seizures.CONCLUSIONS:
Poor knowledge and strong cultural and religious beliefs characterize the experience of PWE in this population. Epilepsy-related stigma contributes to overall disease burden, and PWE face exclusion across major life domains. There is a need to educate communities and inculcate perceptions and attitudes that promote early detection of epilepsy and early care-seeking behavior.
Texto completo:
1
Temas:
ECOS
/
Estado_mercado_regulacao
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Meio Social
/
Características de Residência
/
Cuidadores
/
Conhecimento
/
Epilepsia
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Screening_studies
Aspecto:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
Limite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Female
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Epilepsy Behav
Assunto da revista:
CIENCIAS DO COMPORTAMENTO
/
NEUROLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2011
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Tanzânia