HOW EPILEPSY KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION OF STIGMA, AND AGE OF PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY (PWE) CONTRIBUTE TO SELF-DISCLOSURE OF THE DIAGNOSIS

This study aims to determine how medical and social knowledge about epilepsy, the perception of epilepsy stigma, and the age of people with epilepsy (PWE) contribute to self-disclosure of the diagnosis of this disease. Eighty-seven PWE participated in this study, consisting of 42 adolescents (17–20 years old) and 45 young adults (25–30 years old). Knowledge of the medical and social aspects of epilepsy was measured using the Epilepsy Knowledge Profile-General. The perception of epilepsy stigma was measured using the Epilepsy Stigma Scale. Self-disclosure of the diagnosis of epilepsy was measured using the Disclosure Management Scale. Multiple regression analysis showed that the perception of epilepsy stigma and age significantly contributed to self-disclosure of the diagnosis of epilepsy, with the perception of epilepsy stigma having the largest contribution. No relation was observed between the knowledge of epilepsy and self-disclosure of the diagnosis of epilepsy.