Attitudes and perceptions towards epilepsy in an onchocerciasis-endemic region of Tanzania: a mixed approach to determine the magnitude and driving factors
Background: Epilepsy remains a significant public health concern in Tanzania, with affected individuals enduring stigma, whether through actions or perceptions. Myths, misunderstandings, and misconceptions about epilepsy have persisted due to a multitude of factors. Here, we assessed attitudes and p...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Journal article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BioMed Central
2024
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| _version_ | 1826314609084071936 |
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| author | Mushi, VP Kidima, W Massawe, IS Magili, PF Bhwana, D Kaaya, RE Kimambo, H Hyera, HF Matuja, W Sen, A Sander, JW Colebunders, R Mahone, S Newton, CR Mmbando, BP |
| author_facet | Mushi, VP Kidima, W Massawe, IS Magili, PF Bhwana, D Kaaya, RE Kimambo, H Hyera, HF Matuja, W Sen, A Sander, JW Colebunders, R Mahone, S Newton, CR Mmbando, BP |
| author_sort | Mushi, VP |
| collection | OXFORD |
| description | Background: Epilepsy remains a significant public health concern in Tanzania, with affected individuals enduring stigma, whether through actions or perceptions. Myths, misunderstandings, and misconceptions about epilepsy have persisted due to a multitude of factors. Here, we assessed attitudes and perceptions toward epilepsy in Mahenge. Methods: A cross-sectional study utilising a mixed-methods approach was undertaken in eight villages in the Ulanga district of Mahenge, integrating a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGDs). The questionnaire involved 778 community members, and 15 FGDs were conducted (seven groups with people with epilepsy and eight without). Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and logistic regression were used for quantitative analysis, while we used NVivo version 14 for thematic analysis of qualitative data. Results: Of 778 participants, over half were women (425, 54.6%) with a median age of 41 years (IQR: 30–55) and most had completed primary education (79.9%). The majority of participants were aware of epilepsy (96.8%), yet they displayed low knowledge (51%), negative attitudes (45.5%), and perceptions (42.1%) towards the disorder. A low level of understanding was significantly associated with negative attitudes (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.41–2.53) and perceptions (AOR = 3.22, 95%CI: 2.05–5.04) towards epilepsy. In the qualitative analysis, often hereditary factors and infections were named as causes of epilepsy, along with misconceptions involving witchcraft and divine punishment. There was also a misconception about the contagiousness of epilepsy. Traditional healers were often the initial point of treatment. Epilepsy-related stigma was evident, with individuals with epilepsy facing derogatory labels, social isolation, and barriers to education. Lastly, there was a lack of understanding regarding a possible association between epilepsy and onchocerciasis. Conclusions: Despite high awareness of epilepsy, there is insufficient understanding, negative attitudes, and perceptions, including misconceptions and stigma about this neurologic condition. Community-based education programmes are essential for promoting proper healthcare-seeking behaviour and dispelling myths. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-09T03:09:44Z |
| format | Journal article |
| id | oxford-uuid:76b8f9b8-c697-4eab-b965-ae376e23a4f1 |
| institution | University of Oxford |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-09T03:09:44Z |
| publishDate | 2024 |
| publisher | BioMed Central |
| record_format | dspace |
| spelling | oxford-uuid:76b8f9b8-c697-4eab-b965-ae376e23a4f12024-09-27T20:07:04ZAttitudes and perceptions towards epilepsy in an onchocerciasis-endemic region of Tanzania: a mixed approach to determine the magnitude and driving factorsJournal articlehttp://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_dcae04bcuuid:76b8f9b8-c697-4eab-b965-ae376e23a4f1EnglishJisc Publications RouterBioMed Central2024Mushi, VPKidima, WMassawe, ISMagili, PFBhwana, DKaaya, REKimambo, HHyera, HFMatuja, WSen, ASander, JWColebunders, RMahone, SNewton, CRMmbando, BPBackground: Epilepsy remains a significant public health concern in Tanzania, with affected individuals enduring stigma, whether through actions or perceptions. Myths, misunderstandings, and misconceptions about epilepsy have persisted due to a multitude of factors. Here, we assessed attitudes and perceptions toward epilepsy in Mahenge. Methods: A cross-sectional study utilising a mixed-methods approach was undertaken in eight villages in the Ulanga district of Mahenge, integrating a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGDs). The questionnaire involved 778 community members, and 15 FGDs were conducted (seven groups with people with epilepsy and eight without). Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and logistic regression were used for quantitative analysis, while we used NVivo version 14 for thematic analysis of qualitative data. Results: Of 778 participants, over half were women (425, 54.6%) with a median age of 41 years (IQR: 30–55) and most had completed primary education (79.9%). The majority of participants were aware of epilepsy (96.8%), yet they displayed low knowledge (51%), negative attitudes (45.5%), and perceptions (42.1%) towards the disorder. A low level of understanding was significantly associated with negative attitudes (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.41–2.53) and perceptions (AOR = 3.22, 95%CI: 2.05–5.04) towards epilepsy. In the qualitative analysis, often hereditary factors and infections were named as causes of epilepsy, along with misconceptions involving witchcraft and divine punishment. There was also a misconception about the contagiousness of epilepsy. Traditional healers were often the initial point of treatment. Epilepsy-related stigma was evident, with individuals with epilepsy facing derogatory labels, social isolation, and barriers to education. Lastly, there was a lack of understanding regarding a possible association between epilepsy and onchocerciasis. Conclusions: Despite high awareness of epilepsy, there is insufficient understanding, negative attitudes, and perceptions, including misconceptions and stigma about this neurologic condition. Community-based education programmes are essential for promoting proper healthcare-seeking behaviour and dispelling myths. |
| spellingShingle | Mushi, VP Kidima, W Massawe, IS Magili, PF Bhwana, D Kaaya, RE Kimambo, H Hyera, HF Matuja, W Sen, A Sander, JW Colebunders, R Mahone, S Newton, CR Mmbando, BP Attitudes and perceptions towards epilepsy in an onchocerciasis-endemic region of Tanzania: a mixed approach to determine the magnitude and driving factors |
| title | Attitudes and perceptions towards epilepsy in an onchocerciasis-endemic region of Tanzania: a mixed approach to determine the magnitude and driving factors |
| title_full | Attitudes and perceptions towards epilepsy in an onchocerciasis-endemic region of Tanzania: a mixed approach to determine the magnitude and driving factors |
| title_fullStr | Attitudes and perceptions towards epilepsy in an onchocerciasis-endemic region of Tanzania: a mixed approach to determine the magnitude and driving factors |
| title_full_unstemmed | Attitudes and perceptions towards epilepsy in an onchocerciasis-endemic region of Tanzania: a mixed approach to determine the magnitude and driving factors |
| title_short | Attitudes and perceptions towards epilepsy in an onchocerciasis-endemic region of Tanzania: a mixed approach to determine the magnitude and driving factors |
| title_sort | attitudes and perceptions towards epilepsy in an onchocerciasis endemic region of tanzania a mixed approach to determine the magnitude and driving factors |
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