Doctor's Perspectives for Epilepsy in Kwangju, Chollanam-do Area

ABSTRACT

The attitude and awareness of medical practitioner for epilepsy have influence on that of the public and the patient. We intended to evaluate medical practitioner's perspectives for epilepsy. The questionnaire which used in this study was designed specifically to evaluate the medical practitioner's perspectives for epilepsy. It is studied in 160 medical practitioners at Kwangju city and Chollanam-do province, who had answered over 50% of the.questionnaire and certified themselves. The results are as follows; 1) The 'prejudice' toward epilepsy is common finding even in medical practitioners regardless of their experience and training. It is more common in older doctors over 40 years old. 2) The number of lately treated patients with epilepsy is about 3.7 per one medical practitioner in this area. It falls short of expected number which is calculated with already reported prevalence of epilepsy by others. 3) The treatment of epilepsy is being performed by medical practitioners individually without any interdepartmental relationship in our society. 4) Most of the medical practitioners lack basic knowledge about epilpsy such as International Classification, first line antiepileptic drugs for different seizure type regardless Of their age, training and experience for treatment of patient with epilepsy. These results suggested that effective education is necessary for medical practitioner about epilepsy.