Changes in public attitudes toward epilepsy in Hungary: Results of surveysconducted in 1994 and 2000

Our study investigated public attitudes toward epilepsy, and knowledge and understanding of epilepsy in Hungary. We compared changes of public attitud es in the last six years, hypothesizing a trend of positive changes because of recent national initiatives for acceptance and integration of people wi th epilepsy (e.g., participation of Hungary in the "Out of the Shadows" wor ld campaign). We also studied how the demographic background of the respond ents affects awareness, understanding, and attitudes toward epilepsy. Using a questionnaire design, we conducted a public opinion poll with a represen tative sample of 1,000 people in 1994 and 6 years later, in 2000. Hungarian respondents were most prejudiced regarding employment of people with epile psy. In recent years, significant decreases in prejudice rates were found r egarding all attitude aspects (marriage, children associating, work). Signi ficant background effects of demographic variables were also apparent: diff erences by age, education, residence, and family status were found. Some cu lture-specific characteristics of understanding epilepsy could be observed. Significant positive attitude changes from 1994 to 2000 confirm the need f or and potentialities of education of the public and informational initiati ves. Demographic influences and culture-specific characteristics could be o f relevance in designing public education for different target groups.