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Published on: November 13, 2016
On the experience of stigma by persons with epilepsy in Sweden and Iran--a comparative study
Lars Forsgren1, Helia Ghanean, Lars Jacobsson
1Department of Neurology, Umea University, Sweden.
Purpose:
The aim of this paper is to compare the experience of stigma by persons with epilepsy in Sweden and Iran.
Method:
An adapted version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale was completed by 130 persons with epilepsy in Tehran and 93 patients at a neurology clinic in Sweden.
Results:
The Swedish subjects reported a significantly lower level of experienced stigmatization than the Iranian patients, which we think is an effect of a more individualized medical treatment and a longer experience of health education in the Swedish society.
Conclusion:
Improved seizure control, legislative measures and health education are major contributory factors for stigma reduction in a society as regards epilepsy and probably also other medical conditions.
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