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Kentuckians' attitudes toward children with epilepsy
R J Baumann1, J F Wilson, H J Wiese
1Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536-0284, USA.
Epilepsia
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Public attitudes toward children with epilepsy reveal significant prejudice. Many Kentuckians believe epilepsy negatively impacts classroom environments and a child's future quality of life, contradicting hopes for disappearing stigmas.
Area of Science:
- Social Science
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder with significant social implications.
- Public perception and stigma surrounding epilepsy can affect individuals with the condition, particularly children.
- Previous research suggests varying levels of prejudice against individuals with epilepsy, but recent trends are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess public attitudes toward children with epilepsy in Kentucky.
- To compare attitudes towards epilepsy with those towards asthma, hyperactivity, and AIDS.
- To investigate potential demographic differences in prejudice against children with epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted with 617 participants in Kentucky using random digit dialing.
- Respondents rated the potential impact of epilepsy on classroom environment and quality of life (QOL) at age 21.
- Attitudes were compared to those for asthma, hyperactivity, and AIDS using a 0-10 rating scale.
Main Results:
- 24% predicted a negative classroom environment impact for pupils with epilepsy, similar to AIDS.
- 41% predicted a lessened QOL at age 21 for children with epilepsy, worse than asthma or hyperactivity.
- Rural and Appalachian respondents showed more prejudice on the Relative Educational Distance (RED) index, while urban, educated groups showed more prejudice on the Relative Quality of Life Distance (RQLD) index.
Conclusions:
- Prejudices against individuals with epilepsy are not disappearing.
- Specific subgroups, including rural and Appalachian residents, exhibit significant bias regarding epilepsy's educational impact.
- Urban, educated populations may hold biases concerning the long-term quality of life for individuals with epilepsy.