Epilepsy awareness in a Jamaican community: driven to change!

There are relatively few published studies on epilepsy-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) from developing countries and none from Jamaica. A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study of 320 individuals was performed in a small community in Kingston. Residents and employees were comparable in age, sex, and personal and family history of epilepsy, but differed in attained education and occupation. Persons with postsecondary education were less likely to believe that epilepsy is a mental disorder (9% vs 24.8%, P<0.001), is due to demonic possession (8% vs 18.2%, P<0.01), or is contagious (2.5% vs 23%, P<0.001). Overall, 73% felt that people with epilepsy should not drive. The results of this Jamaican KAP study differ from those in other developing countries. There appears to be less societal stigma in Jamaica; however, there is widespread reluctance to allow PWE to drive. This represents a substantial challenge to the current initiative to change existing driving regulations that currently bar people with epilepsy from driving.