Parkinson's disease in Bangladesh: An evaluation of the public knowledge and awareness

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s Disease poses a monumental health burden, one which is often misunderstood and underestimated by the general public. Objective: This study was designed to assess Bangladesh’s general population’s knowledge and awareness pertaining to Parkinson’s disease. Methods: A cross sectional study was administered and regulated among Bangladeshis. Data were collected through a questionnaire which was validated previously and employed in other surveys evaluating similar parameters. Results: Vast majority of the respondents inferred to PD being more common in older people and also indicated that they believe PD can affect younger generation too. Overall the motor symptoms were much more recognized: the range being from 21%-100% and that for non motor symptoms being only 6%-19% respectively. Conclusion: From our findings we came to the conclusion – people are mostly unaware of the non-motor symptoms of PD, many have misunderstandings about the treatment of this disease and most are unaware about the pattern and extent of prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease