Knowledge of epilepsy and familiarity with this disorder in the U.S. population: results from the 2002 HealthStyles Survey.

PURPOSE

To assess perceptions of knowledge and experience with epilepsy and seizures in the U.S. population to develop communication campaigns to improve the public's understanding of epilepsy. In a national survey, focal points included the public's knowledge of the disorder, whether people know someone who has it, exposure to epilepsy-related information, and knowledge about how to respond to a person having a seizure.

METHODS

The Epilepsy Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention included nine items on an annual mail survey that targeted a representative sample of the U.S. population. Data were weighted to be representative of the U.S. population. chi2 analyses were performed, and standardized residuals were used to examine the associations between responses and demographic variables.

RESULTS

Responses were obtained from 4,397 persons. Despite the low prevalence of epilepsy, results indicate that about half of all persons have witnessed an epileptic seizure either in person or on television; about one third of all persons know someone with epilepsy, but relatively few are familiar with epilepsy, how to respond to a seizure, or with the Epilepsy Foundation.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, the public has relatively little knowledge about epilepsy. Educational campaigns that inform the public about this disorder and about seizures should work through community settings to improve the general public's understanding of epilepsy.