Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background This study aims to investigate the current status of stigma and social alienation among people with epilepsy (PWE) and explore the correlation between stigma, social alienation, and quality of life in this population. Methods A total of 127 adult PWE were enrolled. The Chinese version of the Kilifi Stigma Scale for Epilepsy (KSSE-C), General Social Alienation Scale (GAS), and Quality of Life Assessment Inventory for Epilepsy 31 (QOLIE-31) were used. Eight participants with cognitive impairment were excluded. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Results Correlation analysis indicated that stigma was positively correlated with social alienation (r = 0.949, P < 0.001) and strongly negatively correlated with quality of life (r=-0.960, P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that factors such as age, marital and current living status, education level, family per capita monthly income, disease duration, and anti-seizure medication (ASM) use had significant impacts on stigma in PWE (P < 0.05), with large to medium effect sizes (η²=0.132–0.253). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that education level (β=-0.326, P < 0.001), family per capita monthly income (β=-0.289, P < 0.001), marital status (β = 0.215, P = 0.002), and disease duration (β = 0.187, P = 0.008) were independent influencing factors of stigma in PWE. Conclusion Moderate to severe stigma is widespread among Chinese PWE. Stigma is positively correlated with social alienation and negatively correlated with quality of life. Effect sizes (η²) ranged from 0.132 to 0.253. These findings provide a theoretical basis for clinical psychological intervention and social support.</p>