Public prejudice to epileptics

Epilepsy, a paroxysmal brain illness, is not a disease that would prevent patients from living their lives fully and from achieving aims they set themselves. Even these days there is a great deal of prejudice and negative feeling when it comes to epilepsy. The present diploma thesis deals with the problem of prejudice and general public opinions towards people suffering from epilepsy in the region of České Budějovice (Budweis), Czechia. The thesis also handles the problem of respondents{\crq} awareness of epilepsy in that region. In the theoretical part of the thesis the author summed up all important knowledge about epilepsy from the medical point of view, focusing on the impact of the illness on each person{\crq}s social life. The objective of the present diploma thesis was to ascertain general public opinions on epileptics in the region of České Budějovice. A sub-goal was to ascertain general public awareness of epilepsy in the aforementioned region. In accordance with the set goals, the following hypotheses were formulated: ``The general public feel negative prejudice against epileptics.{\crq}q ``The general public does not have correct information on epilepsy.{\crq}q Both hypotheses have been confirmed. The research was a quantitative one. The author used the method of questioning, the questionnaire and semantic deferential techniques. Respondents were chosen from general population, aged 18 and older, living in the region of České Budějovice. The research has shown that ordinary people feel negative prejudice and have negative opinions in terms of epileptics. They often assume that epileptics are mentally ill, and not capable of working on a regular basis. Furthermore, the research has proved that the general public do not have correct information on epilepsy, particularly in the field of epileptic fits, first aid and the treatment. Public education ought to be oriented to primary and secondary school pupils and students because only thus young people can adopt positive thinking and opinions on epilepsy, and this may well survive when they grow older and be passed down to other generations