Social and cultural representation of Epilepsy in elderly aged 65 and more, during a community survey in two French Departments (Hautevienne and Creuse)

BACKGROUND Epilepsy is often associated with discrediting representations even in the developed countries. The prevalence of disease is 3-5 in thousand. PURPOSE Our purpose was to assess social and cultural representation of epilepsy in the elderly in two French departments (Haute-Vienne and Creuse). METHODS An analysis of the answers given by 380 (190 in Haute-Vienne and 190 in Creuse) persons aged 65 and more, selected with the method of quota, during a face to face interview using a questionnaire which explores the representations of epilepsy. The interview was done in 2003 during the local step of an international multi centric community survey entitled "Mental disorders: Image and Realities in community sample". RESULTS Beliefs in supernatural causes of epilepsy, witchcraft, curse and punishment are more important in elderly aged 65 and more prevalent compared to the younger subjects; it's the opposite for social causes (conflicts, bereavements, stress). The alimentary interdictions are also persistent. Medical assistance keep a good place in the knowledge of the therapy of epilepsy. It showed that those aged 65 and more in Haute-Vienne had social and cultural representation of epilepsy, generally more pessimistic than those of the persons aged less than 65. CONCLUSION The study confirmed a decrease in the stigma about epilepsy. This data suggest a better consideration of the social and cultural representations in the fight against epilepsy even in western countries.