Factors for Stigmatization of Epilepsy

The book on Factors for the Stigmatization of Epilepsy: Case of Suba and Meru Districts, explores the fundamental exploits and health burden of Epilepsy in the two distinct communities in Kenya and Africa at large. It provides an insight into the perception of the disease in socio-cultural context and its projection as a product of supernatural phenomenon. The prevailing cultural value systems which influence knowledge, attitude and practices about the disease also provide a platform for the unique traditional maladies associated with the disease. The resultant stigma and discrimination have a negative bearing on health seeking behaviour hence poor perception and outcome. Despite recent advances in scientific knowledge, many cases of epilepsy are still managed by multiple approaches comprising of spiritual, allopathic and ethnomedicie. However, a significant percentage of those who undergo diagnostic workup and treated with efficacious anti-epileptic drugs have favourable outcomes. This book therefore provides preliminary insight into the disease in the African context and suggests ways by which the management of epilepsy can be improved.

Autorentext

Tiberry D.O. Nyakwana, profesor e investigador de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Jomo Kenyatta de Agricultura y Tecnología. Ha enseñado en la Escuela de Capacitación Médica de Kenya, la Universidad de los Grandes Lagos de Kisumu y la Universidad de Mt. Kenya. Miembro del Comité Nacional de Coordinación de Epilepsia y Asesor Técnico de la Fundación Conjunta de Epilepsia de Kenya.