Title:
Epilepsy Associated Stigma in Zambia
Authors:
Chisenga, Tina
Year:
2014
PAGE:
Viii, 44
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Zambia, Epilepsy, Stigma, Diagnosis, Treatment
Abstract:
Background: Zambia is a country in Southern Africa and has an epilepsy prevalence of 12.5/ 1000 people in the rural areas and affects the day to day life of those with the condition (Birbeck & Kalichi 2004). Stigma has been recognised as one of the factors that has an impact on the lives of those with epilepsy and consequently on the large treatment gap. Therefore, in order to reduce this treatment gap, the mechanisms of stigma have to be understood and addressed and this is the aim of this thesis. Methodology: To achieve the objectives of the study, a literature review on available information was conducted. Sixty-three articles were included and presented using a modified version of the adapted global framework for HIV stigma which was used in India by ICRW and STRIVE in 2013. Findings: The analysis revealed that felt stigma, enacted stigma and courtesy stigma are highly present in relation to epilepsy in Zambia. Lack of knowledge, beliefs and practices, and, lack of commitment by policy makers are likely drivers of epilepsy associated stigma. Conclusion: While the study revealed that epilepsy stigma is present in the Zambian society and that it has effects on diagnosis and treatment, more still needs to be done to reduce these effects. As we work on improving knowledge about epilepsy, evidence based interventions need to be contextualized and could help reduce the level of stigma, and, possibly improve diagnosis and treatment, invariably reducing the treatment gap.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institue)
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Country:
Zambia, Republic of
Region:
Southern Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)
,
Research
Right:
© 2014 Chisenga
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
WavOPwDbS5_20161026121339855.pdf