Impact of problem-based learning on stigma toward epilepsy among medical students: An intervention verification study

Stigma toward epilepsy is widespread not only among the general population but also among healthcare professionals. Therefore, the necessity of providing educational opportunities for epilepsy from an early stage in student education has been emphasized. Recently, problem-based learning (PBL) has gained importance in higher education, with reports indicating that it not only enhances knowledge but also reduces stigma.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an epilepsy-related problem-based learning (E-PBL) program on medical students' stigma toward epilepsy. Additionally, we assessed whether the E-PBL program improved medical students' knowledge of epilepsy.

Participants were fourth-year medical students. The E-PBL program was conducted over 5 days, from July 3, 2023 to July 7, 2023. The outcomes included the Japanese version of the Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE-J) scale, which was used to assess stigma toward epilepsy before and after the E-PBL program. We also administered a short, structured questionnaire to assess participants' knowledge of epilepsy.

In total, 112 students were examined. The total PATE-J score was significantly lower after E-PBL (median: 18; interquartile range [IQR]: 14-20) than before PBL (median: 19; IQR: 16-23) (p = 0.013). Additionally, the number of correct responses to the short, structured questionnaire after the E-PBL program was significantly higher than before the program (p < 0.001).

E-PBL programs have the potential to decrease stigma toward epilepsy while enhancing knowledge about epilepsy among medical students. E-PBL represents a novel educational approach for medical students in the context of epilepsy education.