This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to show the pooled prevalence of unfavorable
public attitude towards people with epilepsy (UPATPWE) as well as the effect estimates
of associated factors in Ethiopia.Between December 1 and 31, 2022, we searched for
the English version of published research reports on public attitude towards epilepsy
in Ethiopia in PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and
PsycINFO. The research reports' quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
We extracted the relevant information from the searched papers in a Microsoft Excel
format and imported it to STATA version 15.0, for analysis. The Preferred Reporting
Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) reports guideline was used.
A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the Der Simonian and Laird's
pooled prevalence of unfavorable public attitude and its associated factors.Nine out
of the accessed 104 research papers meeting the pre-specified criteria were included
in this study. The overall pooled prevalence of UPATPWE in Ethiopia is 52.06 (95%
CI: 37.54, 66.59), resulting in excommunication, physical punishments, and assaults
against people with epilepsy as well as frequent lack of diagnosis and proper treatment.
The pooled effect estimates for witnessing a seizure episode was done and it was [AOR=2.70
(95%CI: 1.13, 6.46)].As interventions and new strategies to change attitudes and facilitate
a supportive, positive, and socially inclusive environment for PWE may root in education
and scientific research outputs, our result hopefully evokes the policy makers' attention
for building a well-designed and comprehensive health education and campaign strategy.
