Public knowledge about epilepsy: a small sampling in Campinas (SP)

Abstract

Although circulation of information about science and technology in the media have been increasing, in general, and about health, in particular, it is still considerably high, according to public perception studies, the share of the population that consider themselves little or nothing at all informed about those issues. According to several surveys, when it comes to epilepsy, disinformation can be even higher, what brings as a
consequence, among other things, stigmatization of people with epilepsy. This article shows the findings of a small survey, based on samplings, about the public perception of epilepsy, carried out in the city of Campinas, São Paulo. The research is part of the formation of students who attend a specialization course about scientific diffusion with focus on neurosciences. Qualitative data of this survey shows that, in spite of most
of the interviewees had stated that they knew what epilepsy was, their definitions revealed different levels of understanding. The survey also indicates that the highest level of disinformation occurred among young people aged until 17, particularly about what its neurological condition means and if it is treatable or not. The findings can be confronted to future focused surveys with a broader universe of interviewees and be helpful to divulge information to this particular public.