Examination of systematic reviews published about epilepsy and stigma in the last decades

Authors and yearSampleAimResults
Yang et al. [5], 2023A total of 47 research articles on adult individuals with epilepsyDetermining the rate of stigma felt by individuals with epilepsy and making comparisons between continents

  • Overall perceived stigma rate is 48.4%

  • Stigma rates are 51.2% in Africa, 47.2% in Europe, 35.4% in Asia and 28.8% in the Middle East

  • There is no significant difference between continents in stigma rates

Baker et al. [55], 2018A total of 25 quantitative and 8 qualitative research articles conducted with adult epilepsy patientsIdentifying predictors and consequences of stigma in adult individuals with epilepsy

  • Stigma is related to sociodemographic, clinical and psychosocial factors

  • Cultural differences have an impact on stigma

  • Stigma impairs physical and psychological health

  • Increases anxiety and depression

  • Impairs disease self-management

Mayor et al. [7], 2022A total of 28 qualitative research articles conducted with adult individuals with epilepsyQualitatively synthesizing stigma in adult individuals with epilepsy

  • Negative perceptions of epilepsy in society result in patients being rejected and discriminated against

  • Internalization of stigma causes negative self-perception and shame

  • Stigma negatively affects daily life and contributes to dependence on others

  • Individuals with epilepsy try to avoid stigmatization by hiding their disease and isolating themselves from society

  • Social support is helpful, but depends on the person receiving support’s perspective on epilepsy

Kaddumukasa et al. [36], 2018A total of 23 community-based quantitative research articlesReviewing misconceptions and stigma surrounding epilepsy in sub-Saharan African countries

  • Misconceptions and cultural beliefs about epilepsy are quite common

  • Very few studies (only two studies) are interventional studies aimed at reducing stigma

  • In order to reduce stigma, attempts should be made urgently to raise public awareness/education

Fite and Guta [56], 2021A total of 9 quantitative research articles conducted with adult individuals with epilepsyTo determine the prevalence of stigma and related factors in individuals with epilepsy living in Ethiopia

  • Average stigma prevalence is 44.6%

  • Increased disease duration and seizure frequency are closely related to stigma

  • PwE require medical, social and psychological care