Majid Shafiq

Epilepsy: Public knowledge and attitude in a slum area of Karachi, Pakistan

BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a common but widely misunderstood illness. Consequently, epileptics suffer from considerable stigmatization in society. Since no studies have detailed the misperceptions about epilepsy in our community, it is not possible to provide focused intervention aimed at eliminating this prejudice. PURPOSE To assess the knowledge and attitude regarding epilepsy in an adult population of a Karachi slum area. METHODS A face-to-face interview was conducted on 487 consenting adult non-epileptics (305 males; 182 females) who were conveniently sampled. Chi-square test was employed to calculate the variability in knowledge and attitude with demographic and other variables. RESULTS In all, 12.5% had never heard about epilepsy. Among the rest, 66.7% identified epilepsy as being non-infectious, while 28.2% were unaware of any treatment available for it. Among the other 71.8%, 62.7% were aware of the existence of anti-epileptic drugs. Religious/spiritual treatment was chosen as the most effective treatment by 33.1%. Males were more likely to identify epilepsy as being non-infectious (p=0.02). Nearly 18% of the respondents would not object to their child marrying an epileptic, 69.5% did not want to socially isolate the epileptics, 83.1% said epileptics could receive academic education, 85.6% said they could perform activities of daily life and 62.4% said they could become useful members of the society. Those who considered epilepsy to be infectious were more likely to carry negative attitudes towards epilepsy (p<0.01 with four attitudes). CONCLUSIONS Considerable gaps exist in the communitys knowledge about epilepsy. Some of these may explain the prevalence of negative attitudes towards this ailment.

Perceptions of Pakistani medical students about drugs and alcohol: a questionnaire-based survey

BackgroundDrug abuse is hazardous and known to be prevalent among young adults, warranting efforts to increase awareness about harmful effects and to change attitudes. This study was conducted to assess the perceptions of a group of medical students from Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim country, regarding four drugs namely heroin, charas, benzodiazepines and alcohol.ResultsIn total, 174 self-reported questionnaires were received (87% response rate). The most commonly cited reasons for why some students take these drugs were peer pressure (96%), academic stress (90%) and curiosity (88%). The most commonly cited justifiable reason was to go to sleep (34%). According to 77%, living in the college male hostel predisposed one to using these drugs. Sixty percent of students said that the drugs did not improve exam performance, while 54% said they alleviated stress. Seventy-eight percent said they did not intend to ever take drugs in the future. Females and day-scholars were more willing to discourage a friend who took drugs. Morality (78%), religion (76%) and harmful effects of drugs (57%) were the most common deterrents against drug intake. Five suggestions to decrease drug abuse included better counseling facilities (78%) and more recreational facilities (60%).ConclusionEfforts need to be made to increase student awareness regarding effects and side effects of drugs. Our findings suggest that educating students about the adverse effects as well as the moral and religious implications of drug abuse is more likely to have a positive impact than increased policing. Proper student-counseling facilities and healthier avenues for recreation are also required.

Myths and fallacies about epilepsy among residents of a Karachi slum area

Misconceptions about epilepsy may explain the considerable stigma accompanying it. We aimed to identify such fallacies through questionnaire-based interviews of 487 adult residents of a slum area in Karachi, Pakistan. Of those interviewed, 25% believed that epilepsy was caused by evil spirits, black magic and envy by others – those without a school education were more likely to hold these views (P < 0.05). Perceived complications included impotence and cancer. Shoe-sniffing was considered a treatment modality by 13%. It appears that misconceptions abound regarding epilepsys causes, complications and methods of treatment. However, those who had received a school education were less likely to link epilepsy with supernatural phenomena.

Sexually transmitted infections in Pakistan

It is true that at times certain issues are so earnestly frowned upon in civil society that it becomes impossible to talk about them in public even if the talk is consistent with prevailing opinion. Try talking about sex and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the Muslim society of Pakistan and you face the same predicament. Because matters related to sex are seldom discussed in Pakistan most citizens are ignorant about STIs and their modes of transmission. The countrywide burden of STIs has never been estimated; people would sooner deny its existence than attempt to estimate the dimensions of the problem. The government as well as the public in Pakistan use religion as a blind backup to support claims of cultural immunisation of the entire population from STIs. Gender segregation is an integral part of the ideal Islamic culture as is premarital celibacy and extramarital abstinence. A recent study carried out in neighbouring India1 however suggests that it is wise not to be complacent in such matters. (excerpt)