Meanings of epilepsy in its sociocultural context and implications for stigma: Findings from ethnographic studies in local communities in China and Vietnam


Jacoby, A, Wang, W, Vu, T Dang, Wu, J, Snape, D, Aydemir, N, Parr, J, Reis, R, Begley, C, de Boer, H et al (show 2 more authors) (2008) Meanings of epilepsy in its sociocultural context and implications for stigma: Findings from ethnographic studies in local communities in China and Vietnam. Epilepsy & Behavior, 12 (2). pp. 286-297.

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Abstract

We investigated beliefs about causes, course and treatment of epilepsy and QOL impacts in key target groups, using ‘mini-ethnographies’ involving 141 in-depth interviews and 12 focus groups in China, and 84 in-depth interviews and 16 focus groups in Vietnam. Data were analysed thematically, using a qualitative data analysis package. In both countries, beliefs about causes and triggers for epilepsy and seizures were a complex interweaving of western, traditional and folk medicine concepts. Epilepsy was understood to be chronic, not curable, but controllable; and seen as enormously socially disruptive, with wide-ranging impacts for QOL. Our findings suggest a more ‘embodied’ and benign set of theories about epilepsy than in some other cultural contexts; nonetheless, PWE are still seen as having low social value and face social rejection. By exploring meanings attached to epilepsy in these two cultural contexts, we have clarified reasons behind previously documented negative attitudes and foci for future intervention studies.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Available online 26 November 2007. Issue: February 2008.
Uncontrolled Keywords: epilepsy, social course, quality of life, stigma, cross-cultural, ethnography
Subjects: ?? RC0321 ??
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Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 10 Mar 2009 10:51
Last Modified: 17 Dec 2022 01:01
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2007.10.006
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/1098
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