The Modern Moroccan Terminology of Epilepsy

Abstract

PurposeThe Arabic word “Assarɛ” (الصرع) continues to be used to stigmatize Moroccan people with epilepsy (PWE), affecting their quality of life and reducing their likelihood of visiting a doctor. Methods298 participants responded to an automated questionnaire, administered via social media, which investigated the socio-demographic information and proposed new terms to replace or salvage the term “Assarε.” ResultsMost of the participants refused the use of “Assarɛ” term when referring to Epilepsy. “Brain Electrical Disorder” (الإعتلال الكهربائي للدماغ) and “Lipilipsy” (لبيليبسي) were the most commonly nominated terms to replace “Assarɛ”. Independent variables, such as age over 35 years, education level, and the number of people living with epilepsy, influenced the respondents’ choices. ConclusionThe desire of most participants in the survey to change the label “Assarɛ” demonstrates the widespread and severe stigmatisation and marginalisation of PWE.