1
|
Fitzsimmons M, Sher T, Benbadis S. Online seizure first aid certification program is an effective means of improving student knowledge and self efficacy surrounding epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 145:109318. [PMID: 37348412 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is a neurological disorder, characterized by recurring seizures, affecting more than 3.4 million adults and children throughout the United States. Still, there are sizable gaps in awareness and knowledge of this disorder, and persistent misunderstandings and stigmas surrounding epilepsy and seizure first aid (SFA) pose a risk to those living with this condition. The Epilepsy Foundation, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has developed programs to address the issue of insufficient public education and awareness surrounding epilepsy. One of these programs is a free, accessible online Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification program, established in 2021. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Epilepsy Foundation's online Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification program in improving student knowledge of epilepsy and appropriate bystander-intervention methods to assist a person experiencing a seizure. METHODS The Epilepsy Foundation's online Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification course evaluates student performance via a 16-question knowledge assessment and six question self-efficacy assessment provided both before and after completion of the course. Pre- and post-course scores of students who enrolled between December of 2021 and September of 2022 were collected. Average score improvement was evaluated via the difference in pre-course and post-course first-attempt scores. Statistical significance was evaluated using paired sample, two-tailed t-tests of pre-course and post-course scores. RESULTS Average pre-course knowledge score was 74.33% (n = 10,371, σ2 = 3.04%), post-course score was 88.04% (n = 10,371, σ2 = 0.83%), and score difference was 13.71% (p < 0.001). Average pre-course self-efficacy score was 63.44% (n = 8,046, σ2 = 4.71%), post-course score was 87.08% (n = 8,046, σ2 = 1.68%), and score difference was 23.64% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION We found a significant increase in knowledge and self-efficacy assessment scores after students completed the online Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification course, suggesting that the program is an effective method of improving the understanding of epilepsy and bystander interventions to assist a person who is experiencing a seizure. In the future, awareness should continue to be promoted through SFA training programs and improving accessibility to such programs so that the risks associated with experiencing a seizure without receiving assistance are reduced for people living with epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Fitzsimmons
- University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 560 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA; Epilepsy Foundation, 3540 Crain Highway, Suite 675, Bowie, MD 20716, USA
| | - Theo Sher
- University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 560 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Selim Benbadis
- University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 560 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA; Epilepsy Foundation, 3540 Crain Highway, Suite 675, Bowie, MD 20716, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Walther K, Kriwy P, Stritzelberger J, Graf W, Gollwitzer S, Lang JD, Reindl C, Schwab S, Welte TM, Hamer HM. Attitudes toward persons with epilepsy as friends: Results of a factorial survey. Epilepsia 2023; 64:769-776. [PMID: 36520011 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17491] [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: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Discrimination against persons with epilepsy (PWEs) may persist. The aim of this study was to examine whether epilepsy is an obstacle to desired friendship. METHODS A factorial survey (vignettes), which is less biased by social desirability, was applied to PWEs, their relatives, and lay persons. The vignettes described a person who was varied by the dimensions of age (younger, same age, older), gender (male, female), disease (healthy, mild epilepsy, severe epilepsy [generalized tonic-clonic seizures], diabetes), origin (German, non-German), contact (phone/internet, activities at home, activities outside), frequency of contacts (weekly, monthly), and distance (around the corner, 10 km away). Respondents rated their willingness to befriend the person on a 10-point Likert scale. Multivariate regression determined the contribution of each dimension on the judgment. RESULTS Participants were 64 PWEs (age = 37.1 ± 14.0 years), 64 relatives of PWEs (age = 45.1 ± 13.6 years), and 98 controls without contact with PWEs (age = 24.4 ± 10.1 years). Controls were less interested in a friendship with a PWE with mild epilepsy (-3.4%) and even more avoided PWEs with severe epilepsy (-11.7%), whereas in PWEs with tonic-clonic seizures, a mild form of epilepsy was actually conducive to friendship (+7.0%). Controls preferred females (+5.0%) and disliked younger people (-12.3%) and contacts via the internet or telephone (-7.3%). PWEs were also less interested in younger people (-5.8%), and relatives of PWEs had a lower preference for friendships with longer distance (-2.3%). SIGNIFICANCE PWEs still suffer from a risk of social avoidance, and this becomes more evident with generalized motor seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Walther
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Kriwy
- Institute of Sociology, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Jenny Stritzelberger
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Graf
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Gollwitzer
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes D Lang
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Caroline Reindl
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Schwab
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tamara M Welte
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hajo M Hamer
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Al-Hayani MM, Kobeisy SA, Allebdi KS, Al Hajari SH, Alluhibi WS, Al-Yahyawi NY, Basheikh M, Alyoubi RA. Epilepsy awareness among Rabigh Province residents in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional survey study. NEUROSCIENCES (RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA) 2022; 27:221-228. [PMID: 36252967 PMCID: PMC9749573 DOI: 10.17712/nsj.2022.4.20220045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigates the knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy in Rabigh province in western Saudi Arabia. METHODS A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted from July to September 2020. Survey was distributed through the web to Rabigh province general population. Epilepsy awareness score (EAS) was estimated utilizing a generated questionnaire. RESULTS The number of participants is 511. Most participants did not know what actions to take for an active seizure other than moving the person away from harm (87%). Participants who agreed that epilepsy was highly stigmatized represented 15%. Participants were refusing (27%) or undecided about their reaction (34%) if their child were to marry an epilepsy person (EP). The majority did not mind if their children socialized with EP. Some parents were anxious about having their children play or associated with EP. There are statistically significant associations between EAS and age (p=0.03), monthly income (p=0.03), having children (p=0.04). CONCLUSION The data found in this study was similar to other Saudi and global studies. Further efforts are needed to strengthen community awareness regarding epilepsy. Stigma in society affects those that are afflicted and has consequences on their loved ones as well. Therefore, supplementary educational campaigns are needed to normalize and create acceptance. Also, to increase awareness regarding first aid of epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Majed M. Al-Hayani
- From King Abdulaziz University (Al-Hayani, Allebdi, Al Hajari, Alluhibi), Rabigh, Field Epidemiology Training Program (Al-Hayani), Riyadh, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (Kobeisy, Alyoubi), King Abdulaziz University (Al-Yahyawi, Alyoubi), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sumayyah A. Kobeisy
- From King Abdulaziz University (Al-Hayani, Allebdi, Al Hajari, Alluhibi), Rabigh, Field Epidemiology Training Program (Al-Hayani), Riyadh, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (Kobeisy, Alyoubi), King Abdulaziz University (Al-Yahyawi, Alyoubi), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S. Allebdi
- From King Abdulaziz University (Al-Hayani, Allebdi, Al Hajari, Alluhibi), Rabigh, Field Epidemiology Training Program (Al-Hayani), Riyadh, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (Kobeisy, Alyoubi), King Abdulaziz University (Al-Yahyawi, Alyoubi), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah H. Al Hajari
- From King Abdulaziz University (Al-Hayani, Allebdi, Al Hajari, Alluhibi), Rabigh, Field Epidemiology Training Program (Al-Hayani), Riyadh, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (Kobeisy, Alyoubi), King Abdulaziz University (Al-Yahyawi, Alyoubi), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Walaa S. Alluhibi
- From King Abdulaziz University (Al-Hayani, Allebdi, Al Hajari, Alluhibi), Rabigh, Field Epidemiology Training Program (Al-Hayani), Riyadh, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (Kobeisy, Alyoubi), King Abdulaziz University (Al-Yahyawi, Alyoubi), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Naseem Y. Al-Yahyawi
- From King Abdulaziz University (Al-Hayani, Allebdi, Al Hajari, Alluhibi), Rabigh, Field Epidemiology Training Program (Al-Hayani), Riyadh, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (Kobeisy, Alyoubi), King Abdulaziz University (Al-Yahyawi, Alyoubi), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mazen Basheikh
- From King Abdulaziz University (Al-Hayani, Allebdi, Al Hajari, Alluhibi), Rabigh, Field Epidemiology Training Program (Al-Hayani), Riyadh, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (Kobeisy, Alyoubi), King Abdulaziz University (Al-Yahyawi, Alyoubi), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem A. Alyoubi
- From King Abdulaziz University (Al-Hayani, Allebdi, Al Hajari, Alluhibi), Rabigh, Field Epidemiology Training Program (Al-Hayani), Riyadh, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (Kobeisy, Alyoubi), King Abdulaziz University (Al-Yahyawi, Alyoubi), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,Address correspondence and reprint request to: Dr. Majed M. Al-Hayani, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail: ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4409-235X
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Habbash AS, Amer KA, Aldosari AA, Shawkhan RA, Abdulrahman MA, Alshehri SZ, Wakidah RY. Are Saudis Equipped to Provide Adequate First Aid to Someone Having a Seizure? Cureus 2022; 14:e24898. [PMID: 35698714 PMCID: PMC9185180 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders with a huge impact on the physical and psychological well-being of the individuals affected. Unwanted behavioral practices regarding epilepsy emergencies result in poor management, costly clinical interventions, and frequent unnecessary visits to the emergency departments. We aimed at conducting a large-scale investigation of behavioral practices, beliefs, and perceptions regarding epilepsy first aid measures among the Saudi public. Methods This is a descriptive questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of the general public residing in the Southwestern region of Aseer in Saudi Arabia. Results The study included 1230 participants. There were about 70.4% shows good knowledge about epilepsy and 74.2% with good knowledge about epilepsy first-aid. About 87.1% reported that they know what epilepsy really is, and nearly 38.1% know somebody diagnosed with epilepsy. Only 25.4 sought doctors for epilepsy-related knowledge. About 16.7% thought spirit possession to be the aetiology for epilepsy and about 14.1% believed that evil eye was the cause. In terms of the adjusted impact for background factors on epilepsy knowledge, high education, attending seminars, or getting information from doctors was associated with a better knowledge score. However, housewives were less knowledgeable in terms of epilepsy-related knowledge. Conclusion We uncovered in our present investigation the upward trend for behavioral practices regarding epilepsy during the last few years among the Saudi public. We noted that behavioral practices and knowledge levels about epilepsy were far better among highly educated graduates. One concerning finding is the huge reliance on media for information about epilepsy. The media may not be the ideal channel for the dissemination of health-wise information about epilepsy. Our study results showed that there was a very low level of first-hand experience of knowing some acquaintances living with epilepsy, likely because of stigma. Spirit possession and evil-eye beliefs are embedded in the Saudi culture. It was notable that 25% and 19% of minorities reported getting information about epilepsy from doctors and seminars, respectively. These were the two groups with the highest adjustable knowledge score though. Knowledge about first aid for epilepsy was satisfactory in several aspects. Sadly, housewives were less knowledgeable in terms of epilepsy-related knowledge than other categories of employment. Public healthcare facilities should be more proactive. Health education should be provided to the general public using simple and understandable language to help improve knowledge and attitudes towards epilepsy and all related chronic illnesses.
Collapse
|
5
|
Shafer PO, Gilchrist B, Miller W, Owens S, Ficker D, Haynes-Smith L, Kiriakopoulos E. Improving self-efficacy in seizure first aid: Developing a seizure first aid certification program in the United States. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 129:108624. [PMID: 35247833 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Seizures and epilepsy are very common neurologic disorders, yet knowledge of how to help a person having a seizure is sorely lacking, increasing the potential for injury and early death for people with seizures. We developed a standardized seizure first aid (SFA) training certification for the general public and evaluated its impact on knowledge and self-efficacy about SFA and program satisfaction. METHODS The Epilepsy Foundation's SFA certification was developed by a multidisciplinary group of experts, with extensive review, feasibility testing, and analysis of pilot tests from 10 sessions with 177 participants. Pre/post assessments were conducted immediately prior to and after participation in the 60-90-min program. Data from 94 people with complete pre/post assessments were used for analysis of demographics, program outcomes, and satisfaction. Descriptive statistics, paired sample T-tests, and Cronbach α coefficients were conducted. RESULTS Participants were over age 18, primarily female, and white/Caucasian. Significant improvements were seen in both SFA knowledge and self-efficacy on pre/post assessments across all pilot sites. Fourteen of 23 scale items had significant pre/post improvements. Training satisfaction was rated high by almost all participants. CONCLUSIONS The Epilepsy Foundation's Seizure First Aid certification focuses on ability to recognize seizure symptoms, respond with correct first aid steps, and know when emergency help is needed. Pilot assessments support increased knowledge and self-confidence, critical to promoting positive behavior change. This program offers an easy and scalable way for the general public to learn SFA and enhance seizure recognition and safety of people with seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia O Shafer
- Epilepsy Foundation, United States; Osborne Health Consulting, United States.
| | | | - Wendy Miller
- Indiana University School of Nursing, United States
| | - Steven Owens
- Epilepsy Foundation, United States; Crescent Solutions, United States
| | - David Ficker
- University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute, United States
| | | | - Elaine Kiriakopoulos
- Epilepsy Foundation, United States; Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lang J, Jeschke S, Herziger B, Müller RM, Bertsche T, Neininger MP, Bertsche A. Prejudices against people with epilepsy as perceived by affected people and their families. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 127:108535. [PMID: 35026561 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Prejudices can impair social participation of people with epilepsy. METHODS From 2019 to 2020, we invited people with epilepsy and their relatives across Germany to fill in a questionnaire. RESULTS Two hundred and thirty people with epilepsy (PWE, median age: 40 years; min./max.: 19/83; 66% female) and 103 relatives (REL, median age: 42 years; min./max. 23/70; 83% female) took part in the survey. 44% PWE and 40% REL said prejudices against PWE had not declined in recent years. Of PWE, 64% reported they had experienced prejudices themselves. In an open question with multiple answers possible, 71% of the PWE described concrete prejudices against PWE, 62% of the REL did so. The reported prejudices concerned symptoms of epilepsy (37% PWE; 23% REL), academic or occupational performance (47% PWE; 38% REL), social or family life (27% PWE, 29% REL), and other topics (7% PWE, 4% REL). Of PWE, 88% said all or almost all relatives knew about their condition, 74% stated this applied to all or almost all friends, and 48% told all or almost all colleagues about their epilepsy. Of PWE, 94% would want to know if a relative had epilepsy, 87% would like to know about a friend's epilepsy, 70% about a colleague's epilepsy. Fear of stigmatization was a reason for not always communicating the condition according to 20% PWE and 63% REL. None of PWE and 16% of REL named shame as a reason. CONCLUSION People with epilepsy still experience prejudices and fear of stigmatization hinders an open communication about the condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Lang
- Neuropaediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 8, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Sarah Jeschke
- Neuropaediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 8, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Birthe Herziger
- Neuropaediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 8, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Ruth Melinda Müller
- Neuropaediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 8, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Thilo Bertsche
- Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University and University Hospital, Bruederstraße 32, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Martina Patrizia Neininger
- Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University and University Hospital, Bruederstraße 32, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Astrid Bertsche
- Neuropaediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 8, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|