Abstracts

Investigation into the cultural aspects of epilepsy in Honduras is a new line of research, emerging in the context of the National Epilepsy Study started in 1996. This study identifies knowledge, attitudes and practices with respect to epilepsy in the Miskito ethnic group living in the communities of Ilaya and Tikirraya, at East Honduras., A pilot survey with open-ended questions was administered to 49 individuals in the Miskito communities, with participants selected randomly in a public clinic and by home visits. The survey followed others previously used in Honduras. The questionnaire was translated into Miskito and piloted in the communities, with fieldwork carried out between May and November, 2000., 36% of the interviewed persons think epilepsy is caused by bad spirits, blood weakness or blood diseases (12%), lack of sexual activity (12%), worries and nervousness (10%), high or low blood pressure (10%), some wrong behavious and other. It mainly affects women, children and adolescents (61%) and it is treatable with traditional medicine. Preferred treatments were herbs and dietary restrictions (like not eating birds and fish). Eighty percent think epilepsy can be fatal and 18% think it causes mental deterioration. They suggest persons with epilepsy should be careful of risky situations and places when they are alone, like riding canoes or being close to knives., Among the Miskito interviewed, epilepsy is mainly due to the influence of spirits, blood problems, anxiety and wrong behaviors. Treatment is based on traditional medicine. Educational interventions and improvement in the standard of neurological care is needed in this community., (Supported by Neurology Training Program UNAH and Secretary of Health.)