Misconceptions about brain injury in Turkey.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to provide information about the knowledge and beliefs that people have regarding brain injury and to examine if the misbeliefs of adults in Turkey are similar to the misconceptions previously reported in the US and UK.

METHODS AND PROCEDURE

Two hundred and fifty-three respondents answered questions about general brain injury knowledge, coma and unconsciousness, memory deficits and brain injury recovery in a questionnaire. Chi-square analyses revealed significant differences based on age, education and gender. Significant differences were determined between Turkish and US participants and Turkish and UK participants by Student t-test analysis. Findings were compared with those reported by previous researchers from the UK and US who administered the same questionnaire.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

A close examination of the survey makes it clear that the percentages for the 'general knowledge on BI' were found to be higher. Participants' levels of accurate information on coma and unconsciousness and memory deficits ranked secondly and thirdly, respectively. The recovery process paled in significance, as it did not feature very highly.

CONCLUSIONS

The general public should be informed about the seriousness and pervasiveness of the problems related to consequences of BI before taking decisions concerning language or cognitive therapies for their victims. Healthcare professionals should take roles in advocating reliable publicity primarily by dispelling misconceptions about BI.