How Japan Sees Epilepsy: A Closer Look at Public Views

Epilepsy is a condition that many people don't understand. In Japan, researchers wanted to know what people think about it. They made a special test to measure these thoughts and feelings. This test is called the ABLE-J. The test was given to 400 adults in Japan. It started with 29 questions but was later changed to 27. The test checks four main things: negative ideas, safety worries, work expectations, and fear of social contact. The test showed that people's views on epilepsy are linked to their knowledge. Those who know more about epilepsy have less stigma. The test also showed that people's views are similar across different groups. The ABLE-J test is a good tool. It can help researchers and health workers. It can also be used to compare views in different countries. This is important for understanding and reducing stigma.