Myths and fallacies about epilepsy among residents of a Karachi slum area
Document Type
Article
Department
Community Health Sciences
Abstract
Misconceptions about epilepsy may explain the considerable stigma accompanying it. We aimed to identify such fallacies through questionnaire-based interviews of 487 adult residents of a slum area in Karachi, Pakistan. Of those interviewed, 25% believed that epilepsy was caused by evil spirits, black magic and envy by others those without a school education were more likely to hold these views (P < 0.05). Perceived complications included impotence and cancer. Shoe-sniffing was considered a treatment modality by 13%. It appears that misconceptions abound regarding epilepsy's causes, complications and methods of treatment. However, those who had received a school education were less likely to link epilepsy with supernatural phenomena.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Tropical Doctor
Recommended Citation
Shafiq, M.,
Tanwir, M.,
Tariq, A.,
Saleem, A.,
Zafar, M.,
Khuwaja, A.
(2008). Myths and fallacies about epilepsy among residents of a Karachi slum area. Tropical Doctor, 38(1), 32-33.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_chs_chs/88