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A Survey of Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy in 1964 With an Indication of Trends over the Past Fifteen Years
Author(s) -
CAVENESS W. F.,
MERRITT H. HOUSTON,
GALLUP G. H.,
RUBY E. H.
Publication year - 1965
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/j.1528-1157.1965.tb03353.x
Subject(s) - epilepsy , prejudice (legal term) , public opinion , population , insanity , psychology , medicine , psychiatry , demography , political science , sociology , social psychology , law , politics
SUMMARY In the years 1949, 1954, 1959 and 1964 the American Institute of Public Opinion obtained answers to questions about epilepsy from representative members of the adult population throughout the United States. During this 15‐year period knowledge of epilepsy was found in 92–95 % of the people interviewed. When those familiar with epilepsy were asked if they would object to their children playing with epileptics, 57% answered no in 1949, 68% in 1954, 67% in 1959 and 77% in 1964. When asked if they thought epilepsy was a form of insanity, 59% said no in 1949, 68% in 1954, 74% in 1959 and 79% in 1964. When asked if epileptics should be employed, 45% said yes in 1949, 60% in 1954, 75% in 1959, and 82% in 1964. The adverse responses were proportionately reduced. In each of the four surveys, the most favorable opinion was among the better educated, better employed, younger and urban members of the population. The states in the Eastern, Midwestern and Western regions showed less prejudice than those in the Southern region. These measures of public opinion indicate a distinct improvement in general attitude toward epilepsy. They also indicate the areas of remaining prejudice. RÉSUMÉ Au cours des années 1949, 1954, 1959 et 1964 l'Institut Américain de l'Opinion Publique a interrogé sur l‘épilepsie un nombre d'individus représentatifs de la population adulte des États Unis. Parmi ces personnes, 92 à 95 % connaissaient l’épilepsie au cours des quatre enquêtes effectuées en 15 ans. A la question: “Verriez‐vous une objection à ce que vos enfants jouent avec des épileptiques?”, 57% répondirent non en 1949, 68% en 1954, 67% en 1959 et 77% en 1964. A la question: “L‘épilepsie est‐elle une forme de folie?”, 59% répondirent non en 1949, 68% en 1954, 74% en 1959 et 79% en 1964. A la question: “Les épileptiques doivent‐ils être employés?” 45% répondirent oui en 1949, 60% en 1954, 75% en 1959 et 82% en 1964. Au cours de chacune des quatre enquêtes l'opinion la plus favorable provenait des éléments les mieux éduqués, jouissant des meilleures situations, les plus jeunes et des populations urbaines. Les États de l'Est, du Centre et de l'Ouest montraient moins de préventions à l’égard des épileptiques que ceux du Sud. Ces sondages de l'opinion publique témoig‐nent d'une amélioration sensible de l'attitude du public envers l‘épilepsie et font ressortir les lieux où persistent des préventions.