Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of epilepsy in Asia: toward a uniform study protocol

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of epilepsy (KAPE) among the public play a major role in determining the extent to which people with epilepsy can be integrated into their society.

Surveys conducted among Chinese in China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong demonstrated similarities as well as differences in certain aspects of KAPE. These suggest that KAPE might not be uniform among other racial groups in the same or different regions of Asia. For KAPE to have usefulness to a country or community, it has to be location specific.

There are several advantages of using a uniform study protocol. Collection of KAPE data could be faster for any country or community that chooses to use any existing study protocol. Intraregional, interregional, intercontinental, interethnic, intercommunity, and longitudinal comparison within any subgroup could be carried out. Sharing of common information would enhance the regional effort in improving the quality of life of people affected by epilepsy. However, survey methods need not be uniform. Regional adaptation and flexibility of a unified protocol should be encouraged. After the study, concerted local and regional efforts in epilepsy education must be carried out systematically for the general public as well as for strategic groups.

Determination of the KAPE in different parts of Asia would help to define the magnitude of and be the first step toward alleviating social discrimination against people with epilepsy in Asia.