Unfavorable public attitude toward people with epilepsy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis study

Abstract

ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to show the pooled prevalence of unfavorable public attitude toward people with epilepsy (UPATPWE) as well as the effect estimates of associated factors in Ethiopia.MethodsBetween December 1 and 31, 2022, we searched for the English version of published research reports on public attitude toward epilepsy in Ethiopia in PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO. The research reports' quality was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. We extracted the relevant information from the searched papers in a Microsoft Excel format and imported it to STATA version 15.0, for analysis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) reports guideline was used. A random‐effects meta‐analysis model was used to estimate the Der Simonian and Laird's pooled prevalence of unfavorable public attitude and its associated factors.ResultsNine out of the accessed 104 research papers meeting the pre‐specified criteria were included in this study. The overall pooled prevalence of UPATPWE in Ethiopia is 52.06 (95% CI: 37.54, 66.59), resulting in excommunication, physical punishments, and assaults against people with epilepsy as well as frequent lack of diagnosis and proper treatment. The pooled effect estimates for witnessing a seizure episode were done and it was (AOR = 2.70 [95% CI: 1.13, 6.46]).SignificanceAs interventions and new strategies to change attitudes and facilitate a supportive, positive, and socially inclusive environment for PWE may root in education and scientific research outputs, our result hopefully evokes the policy makers' attention for building a well‐designed and comprehensive health education and campaign strategy.

Stigma and psychosocial problems in patients with epilepsy

“…In some studies conducted in the last decade, it has been observed that the belief that "Epilepsy is a mental illness, a mental health problem, caused by supernatural power, an infectious disease, occurs as a result of demon possession, and occurs as a result of the wrath of God" has been reported at very high rates (Table 1) [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. There has been no serious positive development in knowledge and beliefs about epilepsy over time [25,26]. Regrettably, individuals with epilepsy often face negative attitudes and discrimination from others.…”

Changes in public attitude toward epilepsy in Hungary since 1994. A multicriteria weighting analysis

“…The perception of epilepsy as a kind of insanity may increase the level of stigma. 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 …”

“…As a result of the belief that epilepsy is caused by evil spirits or demonic possessions, traditional medicine is appreciated over biomedicine for epilepsy treatment in sub‐Saharan Africa. The perception of epilepsy as a kind of insanity may increase the level of stigma 21–27 …”