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ABSTRACT
Introduction. Negative socio-cultural perceptions of epilepsy,can lead to stigmatization. The aim of our study is to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Brazzaville residents regarding epilepsy. Methodology. This analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted from 15 May to 15 August 2023 in households in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. The study cohort consisted of individuals aged 18 and data were collected through a questionnaire covering variables related to knowledge about epilepsy and attitudes towards patients living with epilepsy, as well as those experiencing an epileptic seizure. Results. Among the 320 participants, a low level of knowledge on epilepsy was observed (81.2%). The participants had the greatest gaps in knowledge regarding the disease itself, specifically its symptoms, aetiologies, treatment, and prognosis. The absence of previous contact with a patient living with epilepsy (OR = 2.99; p = 0.003) and the absence of previous observation of an epileptic seizure (OR = 6.36; p < 0.001) were identified as factors that influenced this knowledge. Regarding attitudes towards individuals experiencing epileptic seizures, 60.9% of cases exhibited an accepting attitude. Conversely, attitudes towards people living with epilepsy were generally positive (73.3%) and correlated with good knowledge of the social aspects of epilepsy (OR = 0.11; [0.02-0.39], p = 0.004). Positive aspects of attitude were observed in relation to intimate relationships and social interactions with patients living with epilepsy. Conclusion. Our study reveals a general lack of knowledge about epilepsy among the studied cohort. It is urgent to raise awareness to promote more effective management of epilepsy in Brazzaville.
RÉSUMÉ
Introduction. Les perceptions socioculturelles négatives de l'épilepsie peuvent conduire à la stigmatisation. L'objectif de notre étude est d'examiner les connaissances, les attitudes et les comportements des résidents de Brazzaville concernant l'épilepsie. Méthodologie. Cette étude épidémiologique analytique transversale a été menée du 15 mai au 15 août 2023 dans des ménages à Brazzaville, en République du Congo. La cohorte d'étude était composée d'individus âgés de 18 ans et les données ont été collectées à l'aide d'un questionnaire couvrant des variables liées aux connaissances sur l'épilepsie et aux attitudes envers les patients atteints d'épilepsie, ainsi que ceux qui vivent une crise épileptique. Résultats. Parmi les 320 participants, un faible niveau de connaissance sur l'épilepsie a été observé (81,2%). Les participants présentaient les plus grandes lacunes de connaissance concernant la maladie elle-même, notamment ses symptômes, étiologies, traitement et pronostic. L'absence de contact précédent avec un patient atteint d'épilepsie (OR = 2,99 ; p = 0,003) et l'absence d'observation préalable d'une crise épileptique (OR = 6,36 ; p < 0,001) ont été identifiés comme des facteurs influençant ces connaissances. En ce qui concerne les attitudes envers les personnes vivant une crise d'épilepsie, 60,9% des cas ont manifesté une attitude positive. En revanche, les attitudes envers les personnes atteintes d'épilepsie étaient généralement positives (73,3%) et corrélées avec une bonne connaissance des aspects sociaux de l'épilepsie (OR = 0,11 ; [0,02-0,39], p = 0,004). Des aspects positifs d'attitude ont été observés en ce qui concerne les relations intimes et les interactions sociales avec les patients atteints d'épilepsie. Conclusion. Notre étude révèle un manque général de connaissance sur l'épilepsie parmi la cohorte étudiée. Il est urgent de sensibiliser pour promouvoir une gestion plus efficace de l'épilepsie à Brazzaville.

Keywords

knowledge attitudes epilepsy general population Brazzaville connaissances attitudes population générale Brazzaville

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Boubayi Motoula-Latou Happhia Dinah, Mpandzou Ghislain Armel, Diatewa Josué Euberma, Biampamba Mengho Ericka Joxane Jenny’s, Sounga-Banzouzi Eliot Prince Galiéni, & Ossou-Nguiet Paul Macaire. (2024). Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Brazzaville Residents Regarding Epilepsy. HEALTH SCIENCES AND DISEASE, 25(4). https://doi.org/10.5281/hsd.v25i4.5560
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