Myths and Beliefs about the Acquisition of Taeniasis and Cysticercosis amongst the Xhosa University Students in South Africa

Mathews, Mary Beth; Mammen, Kuttickattu John; Mammen, M.

doi:10.1080/09735070.2012.11886439

Cited by 2 publications

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“…13,14 Studies showed evidence of misconceptions, myths, and beliefs among different educated populations starting from school teachers as well as university students. [15][16][17] One study from Burkina Faso reported witchcraft as a cause of epilepsy. 18 However, there have been few available reports on misconception intervention and stigma reduction studies, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Misconceptions, cultural beliefs, and stigmatization of epilepsy have been reported in different parts of the world; from western countries, Asian countries, and elsewhere 13,14 . Studies showed evidence of misconceptions, myths, and beliefs among different educated populations starting from school teachers as well as university students 15–17 . One study from Burkina Faso reported witchcraft as a cause of epilepsy 18 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Knowledge and misconceptions about epilepsy among people with epilepsy and their caregivers attending mental health clinics: A qualitative study in Taenia solium endemic pig‐keeping communities in Tanzania

et al. 2023

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Objective: Taenia solium (T. solium) neurocysticercosis (NCC) affects the central nervous system and is associated with 30% of acquired epilepsy in some endemic areas. Epilepsy is a stigmatizing disease in many societies and people with epilepsy (PWE) and their families experience discrimination. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of epilepsy among PWE and their caregivers attending mental health clinics.Methods: In T. solium endemic areas of Tanzania, PWE and their caregivers attending mental health clinics were identified and their informed consent was sought prior to study participation. In-depth interviews were conducted in Swahili language and analyzed thematically. The coding was undertaken by two independent researchers using NVivo (Version 12, QSR International).Results: Thirty-eight participants were interviewed. Three themes were identified during the analysis, namely, knowledge about epilepsy; perception of epilepsy; and experience with epilepsy among PWE and their caregivers. Participants commonly defined epilepsy as a "falling disease," perceived to be caused by witchcraft, and were unaware of the association between T. solium and epilepsy.Stigmatization of epilepsy was reported as a problem. Reported treatment patterns after the initial onset of epilepsy varied widely; however, patients usually began treatment with traditional healing methods, and only later opted for biomedical treatment. Patients had generally poor adherence to antiseizure medication, which could be caused by inadequate knowledge or irregular supply.Significance: Level of knowledge about epilepsy was low, and NCC was not mentioned as a cause of epilepsy among participants. Epilepsy was generally perceived to be the result of witchcraft, evil spirits, or curses. Health education is How to cite this article: Makasi CE, Kilale AM, Ngowi BJ, Lema Y, Katiti V, Mahande MJ, et al. Knowledge and misconceptions about epilepsy among people with epilepsy and their caregivers attending mental health clinics: A qualitative study in Taenia solium endemic pig-keeping communities in Tanzania.

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