PERCEIVED SOCIAL STIGMA IN MOTHERS WITH EPILEPTIC CHILDREN IN KOREA
Abstract number :
1.332
Submission category :
Year :
2003
Submission ID :
2149
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/6/2003 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2003, 06:00 AM
Authors :
Bo-Young Kim, Sung-Min Cho Dept of Social Welfare, Uiduk University, Gyongiu, Gyeongbuk, Korea; Dept of Pediatrics, Dongguk University Pohang Hospital, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Korea
Epilepsy, a typical chronic disease, may cause high level of psychosocial difficulties including stigmatization for all family members, especially for mothers. Stigma may affect the interpersonal relationship and coping ability of mothers of epileptic children. The present study was aimed to evaluate the degree of perceived social stigma in mothers of epileptic children, and the relationship between the general and clinical factors and their perceived social stigma.
Participants were 158 mothers whose child was diagnosed and had been treated as epilepsy at pediatric epilepsy clinics in 5 university hospitals in Korea. To obtain data, the mothers[rsquo] perceived social stigma scales with 3 questionnaires were developed by modifying Jacoby[apos]s stigma scales. The perceived stigma score was measured from 0 (no stigma) to 3 (severe stigma). Data were analyzed with SPSS 10.0 program using Oneway ANOVA, multiple regression.
The results of analysis showed that 20.9% of mothers have perceived social stigma. The 79.1% of mothers reported as having no perceived stigma (score 0), 11.4% as having mild perceived stigma (score 1), 3.8% as having moderate perceived stigma (score 2), and 5.7% as having severe perceived stigma (score 3). Oneway ANOVA showed the significant differences of the mothers[rsquo] perceived social stigma level according to the monthly income, the frequency of the seizure, the number of antiepileptic drugs, the combined disabilities, the educational institution of epileptic children, whether the child use the welfare facilities, and the existence of experience participating in epilepsy program. Multiple regression showed that the mothers[rsquo] academic background, the existence of combined disabilities, and the number of antiepileptic drugs are the factors which influence significantly on the mothers[rsquo] perceived stigma level.
These results suggest that the mothers of epileptic children who have low academic background and who care the epilepsy-plus children may have more perceived social stigma. These findings may help healthcare providers prepare the epilepsy family programs relieving their perceived social stigma.