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Diaz-Peregrino R, San-Juan D, Arritola-Uriarte A, Contreras-Salazar Á, Del Moral-Bastida J, Miranda-Ojeda R. Epilepsy and education: A case-control analysis of the impact of an intensive epilepsy training program on undergraduate medical students. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 153:109717. [PMID: 38428173 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills of students submitted to a 6-week intensive training in epilepsy compared to students without any training but mandatory neurology classes. METHODS It is a case-control study. After completing a 6-week intensive Academic, Clinical, and Research Program in epilepsy, TUMSs answered a validated Knowledge Attitudes and Practices (KAP) questionnaire. The control group, composed of undergraduate students who shared the same age, academic year, and compulsory hours for learning about epilepsy as TUMSs, was also assessed through the KAP instrument. Answers from both groups were submitted to Fisher exact and the χ2 test to observe differences among groups. Descriptive statistics were also performed. RESULTS TUMSs displayed better results in theoretical knowledge such as the definition and causes of epilepsy, and the application of paraclinical studies essential for diagnosing epilepsy. From their perspective, people with epilepsy encounter restricted opportunities for preserving their social life and employment and they are more prone to workplace accidents. They are convinced that facing epilepsy presents a notable risk due to the difficulties linked with diagnosis, considering epilepsy a challenging disease for general practitioners to identify and follow up. Likewise, they exhibited improvement in treatment adjustment and treatment monitoring of patients with epilepsy, mainly in pregnancy cases. Finally, they had greater knowledge about what to do when they witness a person experiencing a seizure. CONCLUSION Our study showed that a 6-week intensive education program in epilepsy increased the knowledge and practical skills and changed the attitude toward patients with epilepsy of undergraduate students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Diaz-Peregrino
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Daniel San-Juan
- Epilepsy Clinic, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Raúl Miranda-Ojeda
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca, Mexico
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Shawahna R. Epilepsy knowledge and attitudes: A large observational study among the Palestinian general public. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23707. [PMID: 38187269 PMCID: PMC10767192 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Epileptic seizures are often misunderstood as supernatural power or satanic possession in different cultures around the world. Therefore, people with epilepsy (PWE) suffer discrimination, prejudice, and stigma. The epilepsy knowledge and attitude (EKA) of the Palestinian general public were not assessed before. Therefore, this study assessed the EKA of the Palestinian general public. In addition, the study identified the characteristics that were associated with EKA. Methods This was a large cross-sectional study that was conducted using a self-administered instrument. The study participants were invited and recruited from the Palestinian general public. The EKA were assessed using 16 knowledge items and 13 attitude items. Results In this study, responses were collected from 746 participants. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with having a university degree, satisfaction with household income, adequate knowledge about epilepsy, having acquaintances with epilepsy, and having witnessed someone experiencing epileptic seizures. Attitude scores were significantly associated with living in urban areas, being married, having a university degree, satisfaction with household income, adequate knowledge about epilepsy, having acquaintances with epilepsy, and having witnessed someone experiencing epileptic seizures. Conclusion Large knowledge gaps and negative attitudes toward PWE were identified among the Palestinian general public. These findings might be considered a call to increase knowledge and correct negative attitudes toward PWE. Decision-makers need to design and implement effective measures to increase knowledge and correct negative attitudes toward PWE. Further studies are still needed to assess the effectiveness of these measures in increasing knowledge and positive attitudes toward PWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
- Clinical Research Center, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, Palestine
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Biresaw MS, Irawan A, Halász P, Szucs A. Unfavorable public attitude toward people with epilepsy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis study. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:1054-1063. [PMID: 37394990 PMCID: PMC10472419 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to show the pooled prevalence of unfavorable public attitude toward people with epilepsy (UPATPWE) as well as the effect estimates of associated factors in Ethiopia. METHODS Between December 1 and 31, 2022, we searched for the English version of published research reports on public attitude toward 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. RESULTS 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 were done and it was (AOR = 2.70 [95% CI: 1.13, 6.46]). SIGNIFICANCE 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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anggi Irawan
- Doctoral School of Mental Health SciencesSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Peter Halász
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Pécs Medical SchoolPécsHungary
- Epilepsy CenterNational Institute of NeurosurgeryBudapestHungary
| | - Anna Szucs
- Department of Behavioral SciencesSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
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Abuawad M, Rjoub A, Abu Zahra W. Assessment of epilepsy awareness, knowledge, and attitudes among preclinical and clinical medical students in the West Bank of Palestine. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 145:109317. [PMID: 37348411 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this research was to evaluate the level of epilepsy-related awareness, knowledge, and attitude exhibited by medical students at a specific medical school in Palestine, as well as the students' reactions to the treatment and social activities provided to patients with epilepsy. METHODS A cross-sectional, observational research of 306 medical students at An-Najah National University in the West Bank, Palestine, was conducted. We used a validated survey taken from previous publications. We split the medical students into preclinical (2nd and 3rd year) and clinical (4th, 5th, and 6th year) groups to see if there were significant differences in their awareness, knowledge, attitude, and their practices toward patients with epilepsy. Several elements, such as sociodemographics, awareness, knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding epilepsy, were included in the survey. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 29.0. Quantitative data were expressed as mean and standard deviation, whereas qualitative data as frequencies and percentages. The chi-square test was used to compare groups.Any P-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS In general, clinical medical students exhibited better epilepsy awareness, knowledge, and attitude than preclinical students. Of note, 73.6% of clinical students believe epilepsy is a treatable disorder, compared to 44.6% of preclinical students (P-value < 0.001). Some students believe that depression/anxiety (39.6%), psychosis (35.7%), jinns (evil spirit) (7.8%), evil eye (5.8%), and punishment from God (4.5%) cause epilepsy. Clinical students were more likely than preclinical students to have rotated in a neurology clinic or department (40% vs. 4.6%, P-value < 0.001). In total, 95.5% of clinical students and 86.9% of preclinical students (P-value = 0.006) thought patients with epilepsy should marry. Clinical stage students were more likely than preclinical stage students to think that patients with epilepsy can have children (92.7% vs. 83.1%, P-value = 0.009). Preclinical stage students were more likely than clinical stage students to believe that students with epilepsy should not play sports (22.3% versus 13%, P-value = 0.030). Generally, there were no significant gender differences in awareness, knowledge, and attitudes. CONCLUSION The study found that medical students knew little about epilepsy types, causes, triggers, and first aid. Negative attitudes toward people with epilepsy living alone and discrimination against people with epilepsy were also observed. Students' perceptions of this prevalent disease must be improved through educational programs that provide increased opportunities for clinical exposure to this condition as well as proper inclusion of epilepsy in the regular curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Abuawad
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Ahmad Rjoub
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Wafaa Abu Zahra
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Kuramochi I, Iwayama T, Oga K, Shiganami T, Umemura T, Kobayashi S, Yasuda T, Yoshimasu H. Internet survey on knowledge and perceptions of epilepsy among the general public in Japan. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12254. [PMID: 36578391 PMCID: PMC9791342 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To improve the life quality of people with epilepsy, it is necessary to provide comprehensive epilepsy care and disseminate accurate information related to epilepsy to the public. In Japan, reports of traffic accidents involving people with epilepsy started to draw attention in the media in 2011. Ever since that, the association between the image of epilepsy from the general public, "Epilepsy," and "Danger," was more robust in 2013. Since 2017, no previous surveys have examined the perceptions and knowledge of epilepsy among the public in Japan. As an essential source of information for epilepsy care, we conducted a nationwide Internet-based survey to elucidate the current state of knowledge and perceptions of epilepsy among the public without epilepsy in Japan. Methods We conducted an online survey from July 29 to August 2, 2021, with 213 respondents (115 male, 97 female, and one unidentified; mean age: 50.52 ± 12.34 years) registered with an online survey service in Japan. In this survey, we first questioned whether or not a respondent had epilepsy, and then those with epilepsy were excluded from participation. We collected basic demographic information, administered the Epilepsy Knowledge Scale (18 items), and asked the open-ended response question, "What kind of disease do you think epilepsy is? If you do not know, please describe epilepsy in your words." We adopted quantitative text analysis using KH Coder3 and co-occurrence network analysis to examine the connections between words. Results Among the respondents, 92% have heard of epilepsy, and 26.8% have observed an epileptic seizure before the survey. The knowledge scale yields an average score of 27.96 ± 21.3 (out of 100), with the question with the highest percentage of correct responses being "People with epilepsy are just as capable as other people" at 51.64%. The question with the lowest percentage of correct responses was "If the person with epilepsy only has seizures during sleep, the person can have a driver's license," at 9.85%. The average number of Japanese characters responding to open-ended text questions was 10.45 ± 8.87 characters (including Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana). We found that the word "froth" appeared more frequently with experience of observing a seizure, and the words "occur" and "brain" appeared more frequently with higher knowledge of epilepsy. Furthermore, comparing the sources of information from what they learned about epilepsy, the words "seizure," "faint," and "consciousness" appeared more frequently in school, with family and friends, and in newspapers and television, respectively. Conclusion We identified the level of knowledge and perceptions of epilepsy among the general public in Japan in 2021. By analyzing the qualitative aspects of open-ended text responses, we gathered information that might be useful for informing the public of future efforts to provide accurate information related to epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Kuramochi
- Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan,Mara Hospital, Bethel Epilepsy Center, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany,Corresponding author.
| | - Takayuki Iwayama
- Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan,Department of Psychology, Showa Women's University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koko Oga
- Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan,Department of Nursing, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takafumi Shiganami
- Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tomoki Umemura
- Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Sayaka Kobayashi
- Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takaaki Yasuda
- Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Haruo Yoshimasu
- Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
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Ibrahim ME, Hasabo EA, Hsabo EA, Alhadi AS. Awareness and attitude of first-year medical students toward epilepsy in University of Khartoum, Sudan. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2461. [PMID: 34904401 PMCID: PMC8785617 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Very little is known about the knowledge and attitude of students about epilepsy at Sudanese universities. Therefore, we aimed to assess knowledge and attitude of undergraduate medical students toward epilepsy. METHODS A 35-items standardized questionnaire was self-administered to 320 students between December 2020 and February 2021 with a recorded response rate of 61.8%. Google form was used to collect the data. The data was analyzed using R software. RESULTS Overall, our findings showed a negative trend in the awareness and attitude towards epilepsy. While the majority of students (84.8%) had read or heard about epilepsy, only 43.9% of them had seen someone with epilepsy. Epilepsy was considered contagious and psychological by 1.7% and 56%, respectively. About 62.2% of students believed head / birth trauma is a cause of epilepsy. On the other hand, 15.7 % and 5.1 % of students thought evil eye and divine retribution are also causes of epilepsy, respectively. The latter beliefs were more uniform among participants from rural background (p < .05). Regarding attitude, 19.7% of students considered it inappropriate for a patient with epilepsy to have a child. This attitude correlates with the mother's education as the percentage was higher for students whose mothers had a lower education (pre-college education) (p < .05). The majority of students were aware that certain people with epilepsy need long-term drug treatment; this belief was more uniform among females than in males (p < .05). The vast majority of students (93.9%) thought that a child with epilepsy could succeed in a normal class. Compared to the corresponding group, this belief was found more common in students whose mothers had a higher education (university level and above) (p < .05). CONCLUSION This study concludes that Sudanese undergraduate students' understanding of epilepsy was minimal, necessitating a well-directed educational campaign to develop a well-informed and tolerant society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elmuiz A. Hsabo
- Department of UrologyWythenshawe hospitalManchester University NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUK
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Shawahna R, Jaber M, Maqboul I, Hijaz H, Abu-Issa M, Radwan F, Dweik M. Are medical students adequately prepared to provide quality care for patients with epilepsy? A cross-sectional study of their knowledge and attitude. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 120:107976. [PMID: 33957440 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed preparedness of Palestinian medical students as future physicians to care for patients with epilepsy through assessing their knowledge and attitude. METHODS The current study was conducted in a cross-sectional design. A pre-validated study tool was used to collect sociodemographic and academic details of the students, test their knowledge using a 16-item test, and test their attitude using a 13-item test. RESULTS A total of 386 medical students completed the study tool. The median knowledge score was 75.0% (range: 62.5% to 87.5%). The median attitude score was 81.5% (range: 73.8% to 89.2%). Knowledge and attitude scores correlated positively (Spearman's rho = 0.25, p-value < 0.001). Students who were in their clinical training stage (OR = 4.22, 95% CI of 2.54 to 7.01), who had received a course/part of a course on epilepsy (OR = 2.55, 95% CI of 1.26 to 5.17), who perceived their knowledge of epilepsy as moderate (OR = 3.14, 95% CI of 1.87 to 5.28), and those who perceived their knowledge of epilepsy as high (OR = 11.91, 95% CI of 2.47 to 57.41) were more likely to score ≥ 70% in the knowledge test compared to those who were in their basic training stage, who had not received a course/part of a course on epilepsy, and who perceived their knowledge of epilepsy as low, respectively. CONCLUSION Findings of the current investigation may indicate that inclusion of courses on epilepsy early in the medical curriculum might promote knowledge of medical students with regard to epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Mohammad Jaber
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; An-Najah National University Hospital, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Iyad Maqboul
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; An-Najah National University Hospital, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Hatim Hijaz
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; An-Najah National University Hospital, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Majd Abu-Issa
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Faris Radwan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Mohammad Dweik
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Shihata SS, Abdullah TS, Alfaidi AM, Alasmari AA, Alfaidi TM, Bifari AE, Jamal WH, Rizk HA. Knowledge, perception and attitudes toward epilepsy among medical students at King Abdulaziz University. SAGE Open Med 2021; 9:2050312121991248. [PMID: 33614036 PMCID: PMC7871284 DOI: 10.1177/2050312121991248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by repetitive
seizures which could occur in different forms depending on the site of brain
disturbance. It has both psychological as well as social effects resulting
in stigmatization and isolation of epileptic patients. Even though medical
students are considered a role model of well-educated communities, previous
studies showed that students lack the satisfactory knowledge and attitudes
toward epilepsy, so it is important to evaluate the concept of epilepsy and
to measure awareness and attitudes toward epileptic patients among medical
students of King Abdulaziz University. The aim of this study is to determine
knowledge, perception and attitudes toward epilepsy among medical students
at King Abdulaziz University. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 455 medical students
from Faculty of medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
(Western region) through a web-based survey in July 2018. The survey is
composed of many sections (demographic variables, knowledge, attitudes and
practices toward epilepsy). The survey was applied as a Google form and the
data were analyzed by IBM-SPSS for Windows, version 21.0. The chi-square
test of independence was used for data analysis. Results: Four hundred thirty-six out of 455 students (98.5%) were aware about
epilepsy. However, the level of knowledge varies depending on the
educational level of these students, because 88.5% of the students responded
that brain injury is the most common cause and 57.3% said it is a genetic
disease, while 3.7% stated that it was due to evil spirit. As a treatment
method, medication and God’s help were chosen by 95.8% and 57.8%,
respectively. Objection to marry an epileptic patient was the most common
negative attitude toward epileptics among the participants. Nonetheless, the
overall attitude was found to be positive. Conclusion: King Abdulaziz University medical students have had some misunderstandings
regarding causes, manifestations and treatment of epilepsy which could
affect their attitudes toward epileptic individuals. Educational programs
which include more clinical exposure to such common diseases are required to
improve students’ impressions of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Anas Essa Bifari
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wisam H Jamal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hisham A Rizk
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Shawahna R. Agreement of Palestinian nursing students with recommendations to eliminate epilepsy stigma and change perception of the general public about epilepsy: A cross-sectional study. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 109:107126. [PMID: 32438121 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to assess the degree of agreement of Palestinian nursing students with recommendations and key messages to eliminate/reduce epilepsy stigma and change perception of the general public about epilepsy and people with epilepsy (PWE). METHODS A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among undergraduate nursing students. The study tool was a questionnaire with 24 items which collected the sociodemographic and academic characteristics of the participants (6 items) and agreements with 18 recommendations and key messages to eliminate/reduce epilepsy stigma. RESULTS A total of 342 nursing students completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 68.4%. The participants agreed with the 6 recommendations to inform media, improve awareness, and educate the general public on epilepsy (agreement rates: 87.7% to 92.4%), 4 recommendations to coordinate efforts to improve awareness and educate the general public on epilepsy and PWE (agreement rates: 89.8% to 93.0%), and 8 key messages to eliminate/reduce epilepsy stigma (agreement rates: 70.2% to 93.9%). In general, female students tended to express significantly higher levels of agreement with the recommendations and key messages (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION Results of the present study highlighted the importance of involving nurses and future nurses in eliminating/reducing epilepsy stigma and changing perception of the general public about epilepsy and PWE. Further studies are to be conducted to investigate if these recommendations and messages can eliminate or significantly reduce epilepsy stigma and change perception of the general public about epilepsy and PWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
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Antimov P, Tournev I, Zhelyazkova S, Sander JW. Traditional practices and perceptions of epilepsy among people in Roma communities in Bulgaria. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 108:107086. [PMID: 32325368 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We attempted to identify cultural aspects of epilepsy among the Roma community in Bulgaria by elucidating cultural beliefs, traditional treatments, and potential markers of stigma. METHODS We established representative discussion groups among five distinct Roma subgroups (Lom, Kalderas, Thracian Tinsmiths (Tinkers), Kyustendil Xoroxane and Kopanari) from different Bulgarian regions. Data about local beliefs and treatment strategies were gathered. RESULTS Most people were familiar with convulsions but non-convulsive focal seizures were seen not as epileptic but mainly as a "mental problem". Beliefs about putative etiologies for epilepsy were not uniform as some considered environmental and external factors such as high environmental temperatures, electric shocks, loud music, and fever as causes of seizures while others listed bad experiences, stress, trauma, and fear as possible causes. Epilepsy was seen by some as a divine punishment or resulting from black magic. Most considered epilepsy shameful and an obstacle to children attending school. Despite local differences, there was a uniform belief that epilepsy is incurable by Western medicine and people usually resort to traditional healers. A variety of rituals performed by local healers to treat epilepsy were described. DISCUSSION Misconceptions about epilepsy may contribute to stigmatization in this population; this may in turn contribute to a high treatment gap in this group. As a result, the majority of Roma children with epilepsy are likely to leave school early, are greatly limited in their choice of spouse (particularly girls), and marriages often occur between people with epilepsy or those with a family history of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Plamen Antimov
- Department of Neurology, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ivailo Tournev
- Department of Neurology, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Cognitive Sciences and Psychology, New Bulgarian University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Josemir W Sander
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG & Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, SL9 0RJ, United Kingdom; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Achterweg 5, 2103 SW Heemstede, Netherlands.
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Shawahna R, Jaber M. Assessing knowledge and attitudes of Palestinian undergraduate nursing students toward epilepsy and patients with epilepsy: A cross-sectional study. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 102:106811. [PMID: 31812037 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate nursing students toward epilepsy and patients with epilepsy (PWEs). Associations between different sociodemographic and academic variables and knowledge and attitude scores were also assessed. METHODS The present study was conducted in a cross-sectional observational design among Palestinian undergraduate nursing students using a prevalidated and reliable questionnaire of 38 items. After collecting sociodemographic and academic characteristics, students answered a knowledge test (16 items) and attitude test (13 items). RESULTS The questionnaire was completed by 342 nursing students. The median knowledge score was 65.6 with an interquartile range (IQR) of 31.3, and the median attitude score was 81.5 with an IQR of 20.0. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that higher knowledge scores were predicted by being female in gender (p-value <0.05), had a course/studied about epilepsy (p-value <0.001), self-rated knowledge about epilepsy as high (p-value <0.05), and ever witnessing a PWE experiencing seizures (p-value <0.001). Higher attitude scores were predicted by self-rated knowledge about epilepsy as high (p-value <0.001), had a course/studied about epilepsy (p-value <0.05), and ever witnessed a PWE experiencing seizures (p-value <0.05). CONCLUSION Nursing students had moderate knowledge of epilepsy and had generally positive attitudes toward PWEs. Findings of this study highlighted knowledge gaps and areas for improvement. As knowledge scores were positively correlated with attitudes, probably, findings of this study might suggest that educational/training interventions can improve knowledge as well as positive attitudes of nursing students with regard to epilepsy and PWEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Mohammad Jaber
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; An-Najah National University Hospital, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Alhalaiqa F, Al Omari O, Batiha AM, ALBashtawy M, Masa'Deh R, Al-Ghabeesh S, Bashayreh I. Knowledge and Attitudes of Jordanian University Students Toward Epilepsy: A Cross-Sectional Comparison Study. INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY OF COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION 2017; 38:75-82. [PMID: 29258390 DOI: 10.1177/0272684x17749569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
People with epilepsy face stigma which arguably causes more suffering than the disease itself. The purpose of this study is to compare the knowledge and attitudes of nursing with nonnursing Jordanian university students toward epilepsy. A cross-sectional comparative, quantitative study was conducted. A newly structured questionnaire was developed to collect related data. The results revealed that there were 145(30.5%) nursing students and 331 (69.5%) nonnursing students with mean age of the participants was 22.9 years ( SD = 4.7) and 60% of them were men. Although the majority of the Jordanian university students were aware of epilepsy, their knowledge varied according to their major subject of study. Nursing students possessed a good knowledge of, and more positive attitudes toward, epilepsy compared with other nonnursing students. Therefore, universities are required to improve the knowledge of their students about epilepsy by integrating education about health and first aid course into their curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadwa Alhalaiqa
- 1 Faculty of Nursing, Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Omar Al Omari
- 2 Faculty of Nursing, 123295 Jerash University , Jerash, Jordan
| | | | | | - Rami Masa'Deh
- 4 School of Nursing, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Suhair Al-Ghabeesh
- 5 Faculty of Nursing, 84977 Al-Zaytoonah Private University of Jordan , Amman, Jordan
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Kolahi AA, Abbasi-Kangevari M, Bakhshaei P, Mahvelati-Shamsabadi F, Tonekaboni SH, Farsar AR. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among mothers of children with epilepsy: A study in a teaching hospital. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 69:147-152. [PMID: 28285235 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Knowledge about epilepsy and attitudes towards patients with epilepsy can affect measures taken to manage epilepsy and seizures. Support and understanding of mothers is invaluable in enabling children with epilepsy to develop normal life skills in living with epilepsy. In order to identify the educational needs of mothers of children with epilepsy, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices should be assessed. Therefore, we interviewed a group of mothers of children with epilepsy who were referred to a pediatric neurology clinic in a teaching hospital. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices among mothers of children with epilepsy in order to identify their educational needs. METHODS In the period of August 2014 to January 2015, mothers whose children were diagnosed with epilepsy for at least six months participated in this cross sectional study, while returning to the neurology clinic of a pediatric hospital for usual follow-up. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, held by trained female general practitioners. The interviewer used questions from a questionnaire. The knowledge section of the questionnaire included questions regarding prevalence and general knowledge about epilepsy, its etiology, symptoms, and seizure provoking factors. The attitudes section included statements regarding the mother's attitudes towards epilepsy and patients with the disease. The practice section included questions about first-aid measures taken by mothers who had witnessed generalized seizures by the time of interview. RESULTS Responses of 206 participants were analyzed. At least 83% of mothers knew that epilepsy is a noncontagious neurological disorder which can be treated by regular drug therapy. In spite of demonstrating good knowledge scores, the majority of mothers felt the need for further training in epilepsy. More than 98% of mothers were against the idea that patients with epilepsy should hide their disease. Though having been referred to physicians, 84% of mothers had provided their children with at least one ineffective treatment, mostly based on superstitions. CONCLUSION Mothers' level of knowledge of epilepsy was good, and their attitudes towards epilepsy were mainly positive. Regarding the right first-aid measures at time of the last seizure, mothers' practices were acceptable. However, there is still room for improvement regarding avoiding the wrong measures. It is suggested that both practice-related issues and other aspects of epilepsy be taken into account in epilepsy-related education programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali-Asghar Kolahi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Abbasi-Kangevari
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouya Bakhshaei
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Seyed-Hassan Tonekaboni
- Pediatric Neurology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad-Reza Farsar
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices on Epilepsy among High School Students of Central Nepal. EPILEPSY RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2017; 2017:6705807. [PMID: 28299205 PMCID: PMC5337374 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6705807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction. Epilepsy continues to increase worldwide but, unfortunately, many high school students have inadequate knowledge of and negative beliefs towards the disease. We aimed to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and practices of epilepsy among high school students of Central Nepal. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed involving 1360 high school students from 33 private schools across Bharatpur, from June 2013 to July 2013, to assess their knowledge, beliefs, and practices (KBP) on epilepsy using a standardized questionnaire. The differences in mean KBP scores between different sexes, religions, and those personally knowing versus not knowing someone with epilepsy were assessed using independent t-tests; a Pearson correlation was calculated to assess the relationship between KBP scores and age. Results. Of 1360 participants, 79 (5.8%) students had never heard or read about epilepsy and were consequently excluded from statistical analysis. Only 261 out of 1360 (19.2%) had personally known someone with epilepsy. The mean KBP scores were 5.0/8, 7.4/12, and 1.7/3, respectively. Statistically significant differences were only observed in the knowledge component of the KBP score; female scored higher than males (p < 0.001) and, interestingly, students who had personally known a person with epilepsy actually knew less than those who had not known one (p = 0.018). We also found a significant negative correlation between knowledge and age (p = 0.003). Conclusions. The overall knowledge, beliefs, and practices appear to be inadequate, emphasizing the need for further educational intervention.
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Kartal A. Knowledge of, perceptions of, attitudes and practices regarding epilepsy among medical students in Turkey. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 58:115-8. [PMID: 27070860 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medical practitioners' attitudes have a significant impact on the quality of care for patients with epilepsy. This study was conducted to assess the current level of knowledge about epilepsy and treatment together with attitudes and perception toward patients with epilepsy among medical students in Turkey. METHOD The study was conducted using a structured questionnaire to assess knowledge, awareness, and practices about epilepsy among medical students at Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey. RESULTS Eight hundred and ninety subjects were interviewed, and 73.5% reported their awareness about epilepsy. Of these, 38.1% knew someone who had epilepsy, and 38.5% had witnessed an epileptic seizure. Although most of the students had heard about epilepsy, 38.4% of the students believed that epilepsy was primarily a genetic disease. About one-fifth of the students attributed the causes of epilepsy to vitamin deficiency (8.8%) and psychiatric (19.1%), infectious (19.5%), mental (4.4%), and hematological disorders (3.4%). According to 4.8% of the students, epilepsy could be a punishment from God, and 2.1% of students thought that it could be caused by an evil spirit. Eighty-eight percent considered epilepsy as a dangerous disease, and most of them thought that epilepsy is a lifelong condition. Fifty point six percent indicated that putting an object into the patient's mouth to prevent tongue-biting during a seizure is appropriate while 91.9% stated that drug therapy was the only treatment available for epilepsy. The most common negative attitudes toward people with epilepsy were students' objection to marrying someone with epilepsy and patients with epilepsy having children. CONCLUSION Misconceptions about the causes, treatment, and nature of epilepsy are common among medical students at a Turkish medical school. Negative attitudes toward patients with epilepsy still exist. Medical school training programs should be designed to increase awareness of students about epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Kartal
- Department of Child Neurology, Selçuk University, Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey.
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