Perception and Attitude of the General Population towards Epilepsy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The relationship between parental attitude toward childhood epilepsy and spiritual orientation

AIM

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between parental attitudes toward childhood epilepsy and spiritual orientations.

METHODS

This descriptive study was conducted online between May and July 2022 with 417 parents residing in the eastern part of Turkey. Data were collected using a descriptive information form, the Social Attitudes Scale toward Childhood Epilepsies, and the Spiritual Orientation Scale. The obtained data were analyzed using the SPSS software package, employing descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics including independent samples t-test, ANOVA, multiple linear regression and correlation tests.

RESULTS

The Total Social Attitudes Scale Score toward Childhood Epilepsies was calculated as 45.10 ± 7.81, and the Spiritual Orientation Scale Score was 89.88 ± 30.30 for parents with an average age of 36.64 ± 8.26. It was found statistically significant and high (p > 0.05) for parents who are female, have a higher level of education, and have previously received education about epilepsy regarding both the Total Social Attitudes Scale Score toward Childhood Epilepsies and the Spiritual Orientation Scale Score. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the Total Social Attitudes Scale Score toward Childhood Epilepsies and the Spiritual Orientation Scale Score.

CONCLUSION

According to the findings of the research, parents' attitudes towards childhood epilepsy are positive, and their spiritual orientation levels are high. As parents' spiritual orientation levels increase, their positive attitudes towards childhood epilepsy also increase.

Epilepsy knowledge and attitudes: A large observational study among the Palestinian general public

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.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards epilepsy in morocco: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to assess knowledge, practices and attitudes of the general Moroccan population towards epilepsy and to highlight predictive factors.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Casablanca-Settat Moroccan region. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and item answers from 400 people with epilepsy (PWE) and without epilepsy caregivers on dependent variables: knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards epilepsy. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0. Statistical significance was set when P value < 0.05.

RESULTS

The rates of poor knowledge, practices, and attitudes toward epilepsy were 11.5 %, 41 %, and 66.6 %, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the risk of having poor knowledge about epilepsy was favored by lack of education (ORa = 4.31;CI95%:1.83-10.13;p = 0.001) and the absence of familiarity with epilepsy (ORa = 4.05;CI95%:1.92-8.54;p < 0.001). The risk of preferring allopathic practices to treat epilepsy was associated with lack of education (ORa = 2.21;CI95%:1.01-4.82;p = 0.046), residence in a city outside Casablanca (ORa = 2.33;CI95%:1.06-5.15;p = 0.035), age over 59 years (ORa = 2.50;CI95%:1.26-4.95; p = 0.008), residence in a rural areas (ORa = 4.41;CI95%:2.61-7.47;p < 0.001) and absence of familiarity with epilepsy (ORa = 4.08;CI95%:2.33-7.15;p < 0.001). Predictors of stigma towards epilepsy were female sex (ORa = 3.05;CI95%:2.04-4.56;p < 0.001) and the tendency to abandon anti-seizure medication for allopathic alternatives (ORa = 3.98;CI95%:2.21-7.17;p < 0.001), whereas advanced age was a protective factor (ORa = 0.57;CI95%:0.36-0.89;p = 0.014[39-59 years vs 18-29 years];ORa = 0.44;CI95%:0.23-0.82;p = 0.011[>59 years vs 18-29 years]).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of poor attitudes and treatment-seeking behavior was high. This socio-cultural context certainly impacts the quality of life and care of Moroccan PWE. These results should be considered to raise awareness in the Moroccan population.

Knowledge and Attitude of Saudi Physicians Toward Cannabidiol for Pediatric Epilepsy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases. Various institutions have shown an interest to investigate the role of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating pediatric epilepsy. CBD is a chemical extracted from the cannabis plant and lacks the euphoria-inducing characteristic. Despite the FDA approval, the physicians' attitude toward CBD is controversial. Therefore, we aim to measure physicians' knowledge and acceptance of the use of CBD in managing epilepsy patients in Saudi Arabia. Objectives The aim of this study is to measure the knowledge and attitude of physicians regarding CBD use in pediatric epilepsy. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a validated electronic survey was distributed in the period between September 2021 and October 2021 among pediatricians and neurologists at King Abdulaziz Medical City. The survey consisted of four sections: demographics, the perceived knowledge regarding CBD, the knowledge test, and the attitudes toward CBD. Three-scoring systems were established to assess these sections. Results A total of 94 participants were included in this study; 50% of them were males, 81.9% of the participants were in the pediatric field, 13.8% were in the field of neurology, and 4.3% were pediatric neurologists. As for the professional tenure, approximately half of the participants were residents/trainees. Overall, respondents tend to have low perceived knowledge (94.7%) and attitude (93.6%) regarding CBD use. The perceived knowledge and attitude levels were found to be significantly associated with specialty (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Pediatric neurologists had a significantly higher self-assessment score, while pediatricians had the lowest attitude level (p < 0.05). For the knowledge test, surprisingly only one respondent answered all questions correctly, and age was found to be significantly associated with knowledge score (p = 0.001). Conclusion This study demonstrates that physicians have poor knowledge and attitude levels regarding the usage of CBD in pediatric epilepsy. Therefore, more education is highly suggested before the introduction of this medication to Saudi patients.

Public Knowledge, Awareness, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Seizure Attacks Among People of Makkah City

OBJECTIVES

Seizures can occur as a result of a variety of health issues. Epilepsy is a common neurological disease and it is the most prevalent cause of seizures. Epileptic patients might experience a seizure attack at any moment. The aim of this study is to assess public knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and practices toward seizure attacks among residents of Makkah city.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing an online questionnaire, which was distributed through various social media platforms. The questionnaire consisted of five parts, taking sociodemographic characteristics into consideration, and evaluating knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and practices among the general population of Makkah city.

RESULTS

A total of 401 participants completed the study questionnaire: 280 (69.8%) participants were females and 121 (30.2%) were males. Overall knowledge regarding epilepsy among the study participants was evaluated. A total of 132 (32.9%) participants had a good level of knowledge, while 269 (67.1%) exhibited poor knowledge. In addition, students had significantly better knowledge (44.7%) than individuals who were employed, retired, or unemployed (27.7%), (P=.004). Furthermore, participants who had previously heard about epilepsy were more knowledgeable (34.3%) than those who had not (P =.041). Additionally, participants who attended a course on seizure control (46.7%) had significantly better knowledge than those who did not (31.2%), (P=.037).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that most of our sample of Makkah city residents had poor overall knowledge of epilepsy and seizure attacks. A health education program and awareness campaigns could help improve this lack of knowledge in Makkah city.

Perception of the general population towards migraine in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background

Migraine is a chronic episodic neurological disorder characterized by a myriad of neurological symptoms including multi-phase attacks of headache, photophobia, phonophobia, and dizziness. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies conducted about the public perception and attitudes towards migraine in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to determine the public perception and attitudes towards migraine in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted during the period between September 2019 and January 2020 in various public places including malls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study utilized a 40-item self-administered survey questionnaire divided into two sections: demographic data of the participants and perception of participants towards migraine, which consisted of three parts—knowledge towards migraine, attitudes towards migraine, and the expected behavior of migraine patients.

Results

The total number of participants was 385. Three hundred and thirty-nine of the participants (88.1%) heard about migraine before. Relatives and friends are the main source of information for 213 participants (55.3%). In gender predominance, 137 (35.6%) believed that migraine affects both genders equally. Complications of migraine headache are not known for 240 participants (62.3%). The existence of medications or methods for treating migraine is not known for 195 (50.6%). The quality of life for patients with migraine is negatively affected according to 275 (70.9%). One hundred sixty-six participants (43.1%) believe that depression and anxiety are more common in migraineurs. Two hundred forty-four (63.4%) considered migraine to cause a huge psychological and social impact. Two hundred fifteen (55.8%) do not have the knowledge to deal with migraineurs.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated a lack of knowledge in certain aspects of migraine in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This study will serve as a basis for developing a health educational program aiming to increase public awareness about migraine. It will also improve the understanding of society regarding migraine, which will subsequently improve the way they interact with migraineurs and understand their difficulties. In addition, finding a trusted source for information about different kinds of medical conditions including migraine is crucial in educating the community and providing them with the most recent and correct information.

Epilepsy awareness among Rabigh Province residents in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional survey study

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.

Epilepsy life skill education guidelines for primary school teachers and learners in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, South Africa: Multiphase mixed methods protocol

Epilepsy is a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. It may result from a genetic condition and occurs mainly in children, especially at a primary level. Most people living with Epilepsy suffer from stigma and discrimination because of a lack of knowledge regarding Epilepsy. This study aims to develop life skills education guidelines for primary school learners of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces to educate learners about Epilepsy, thus decreasing stigma and discrimination. A multimethod research approach will be used in this study to fulfil its purpose. Both stages 1 and 2 of the empirical phase (phase 1) will employ an exploratory-descriptive study design focusing on the primary school teachers, life skills educational advisors and learners to obtain their perceptions or views regarding the need to include Epilepsy in life skills education. Data will be collected using individual interviews for life skill educational advisors and focus group discussions for teachers and learners at the sampled primary schools in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Phase two will conceptualise the phase 1 findings into the conceptual framework, and phase 3 will develop and validate the life skills guideline. This study will adhere to both internal and external ethical considerations. Recommendations will be made based on the findings of the study.

Public awareness of first-aid management of seizures in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

First aid measures in cases of epileptic seizures are crucial. Misconceptions about seizure first-aid measures are probably common. Most of the previous data focused on teachers and healthcare providers. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of seizure first-aid measures and their associated factors in a community sample in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out using an online questionnaire between July 2020 and February 2021. Those who had never heard of epilepsy and healthcare workers were excluded. Overall and individual scores were calculated for first-aid measures during and after the seizures as well as calling the ambulance.

RESULTS

A total of 1542 participants were included in the study. The overall awareness score of seizure first-aid measures was 57.3%. The awareness of the need to call the ambulance in special circumstances was the highest individual score (78.3%), followed by measures after the seizure (54.2%), and finally measures during the seizure (48.4%). For the latter, the awareness of injury prevention measures was the highest (74.9%), while the awareness of treatment options was the lowest (12.2%). Overall awareness score was significantly higher in older age (p = 0.015), female gender (p < 0.001), divorced status (p = 0.014), knowing someone with epilepsy (p < 0.001), attending a course or workshop about seizure first-aid (p < 0.001), watching a video on seizure first-aid on any platform (p < 0.001), and having basic life support training (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The awareness of seizure first-aid measures is still inadequate among the public in Saudi Arabia. The current finding underscores the importance of simulation videos on social media and/or field-training campaigns to improve the public awareness of seizure first-aid measures.

Knowledge and attitudes of driver license applicants and instructors about driving of patients with epilepsy in Burkina Faso

Background

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disease in the world. The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of driver’s license applicants and instructors in driving schools on epilepsy in Burkina Faso.

Method

This cross-sectional study was carried out from January 7th to March 7th 2020 in 21 driving schools approved by the National Driver License Authority in the city of Ouagadougou. Fifteen driver applicants and one instructor were selected in each driving school, resulting in a total of 315 driver applicants and 21 instructors in the study.

Results

The mean age of participants was 29.91 ± 7.63 years. One of the driver applicants included in the study was once experienced a seizure attack. All respondents had heard of epilepsy. The main source of epilepsy information was from family (42.5%). Two hundred and twenty-six respondents (67.3%) had witnessed an epileptic seizure. A majority of participants (55.9%) believed that persons with epilepsy be not permitted to drive a motor vehicle. About 44.0% of participants thought that people with epilepsy should be permitted to drive under certain conditions. One hundred and four (30.9%) participants suggested that people with epilepsy be permitted to drive a light vehicle. One hundred and forty-one (42.0%) suggest to withdraw the driving license for lifetime if a driver had an epileptic seizure attack; while twenty-three (6.8%) participants recommended suspension of driver license for 12 months.

Conclusion

Efforts should be made to improve awareness and education among license applicants and instructors on the driving by people with epilepsy.

Epilepsy Stigma Among University Students in Makkah: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by a persistent propensity to generate recurring epileptic seizures. Young adults such as university students can bridge the gap and improve attitudes toward patients with epilepsy and reduce stigma. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of university students in the city of Makkah about epilepsy.

METHODS

This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out at main universities in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted after getting approval from Umm Al-Qura University's ethics and research committee. A total of 394 participants were enrolled in the study, and a stratified random sampling (probability sampling) technique was used to select respondents.

RESULTS

The study included students with a mean age of 20.9 ± 4.6 (18-28 years), 271 (68.8%) students were females, 374 (94.9%) of the students agreed that epilepsy is not contagious, and 215 (54.6%) refused the impact of epilepsy on patients' marital status, relationships and fertility, respectively, 213 (54.1%) of the students reported that they feel scared to witness a seizure. About 334 (84.8%) respondents believed that epilepsy is an affliction, and 123 (31.2%) reported that they thought epilepsy was a supernatural phenomenon or black magic.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded a satisfactory level of awareness among university students in Makkah related to dealing with patients with epilepsy. Further scientific studies will help build student's positive attitudes through simulation programs and interventional studies.

Marital status among patients with epilepsy in Saudi Arabia

There are no adequate studies on Saudi Arabia regarding the effect of the social environment on marriage among people with epilepsy (PWE). To fill this gap in the literature, we investigated the marital status of PWE to determine the factors affecting their marital prospects. The subjects of the study included PWE aged 18 years or above, recruited between 1998 and 2019 from the Epilepsy Registry of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We collected a wide range of socio-demographic data on age, gender, location, education level, employment status, and marital status. In total, 1857 PWE, comprising 1086 men (58.48%) and 771 women (41.52%), were enrolled in the study. The data analysis showed that those 'married' and those who 'had been married' comprised 46.96% of the sample, while those 'never married' comprised 53.04%; 65.37% of the sample held a 'high school diploma or less' or had 'no education', 26.85% reported ongoing university education or had already obtained a bachelor's or higher degree; 50.08% of the respondents were employed, while 47.98% were not. Of the sample, 40.28% resided in Riyadh, whereas 13.14% were from the Asir region. We found that socio-demographic factors, especially employment status, had a major influence on the marital prospects of PWE.

Employment and occupational safety among patients with seizure disorders - findings from a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

Observational studies suggest that persons with seizure disorders are socially disadvantaged compared to the general population. There are scarce reports in the literature on the prevalence of employment and occupational safety among patients with seizure disorders in Saudi Arabia. We aimed to describe the occupational statuses of patients with seizure disorders and determine factors associated with unemployment.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Five-hundred-and-forty patients with known seizure disorders or epilepsy who attended neurology and neurosurgery outpatient clinics between January and November 2018 completed a semi-structured questionnaire delivered by interview.

RESULTS

Forty-four percent of participants were unemployed (27% of males and 64% of females). Fifteen percent of currently or previously employed participants reported that they had formerly resigned from their job due to their seizure disorder, most commonly as a result of their own fears or concerns. Almost half of the participants reported that their employer made arrangements in the workplace for their seizure disorder, while 18% reported that they did not disclose their diagnosis. Gender, age, and highest educational level were associated with employment status and reason for unemployment. Patients with seizures secondary to trauma were less than half as likely to be employed compared to other participants (aOR = 0.45 95%CI 0.21-0.97, p = 0.042). Holding a driving license increased the odds of being employed (aOR = 2.68 95%CI 1.32-5.46, p = 0.007). Participants on 4 or more antiepileptic medications were more likely to report not being well enough to work.

SIGNIFICANCE

Patients with seizure disorders are at increased risk of unemployment, even though many desire work. Unemployment is linked to social factors rather than disease-specific characteristics. Employers in Saudi Arabia generally accommodate patients in the workplace; however, individuals should further be empowered with information on safety in the workplace and their rights to employment.

Improving public stigma, sociocultural beliefs, and social identity for people with epilepsy in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia

•

An update of the data reported previously in 2016 in Aseer region.

•

The level of education and awareness regarding epilepsy in Aseer region has improved recently.

•

The belief in spiritual and traditional therapies has decreased, considering them as additional options.

Differences in the sociocultural practice and biases against people with epilepsy (PWE) largely contribute to the development of stigmatization. In this study, we evaluated factors that impact stigma for PWE involved in evolution and maintenance to report changes in the public awareness and cultural practices. We performed a cross-sectional study in which data were collected from a self-administered electronic survey composed of 33 items targeting the population in the Aseer region. Feedback response was obtained from 937 respondents. Of these, 921 participants (98.3%) had heard or read about the disorder previously. Approximately 84.8% believed that epilepsy was one of the brain disorders. 95.8% disagreed that epilepsy was due to a contagious disease. However, 40.1% of the responders were convinced that it was the result of a spiritual reason. Still, more than 9% believed treating PWE should be approached spiritually. About 75% felt that epilepsy could be the results of a test delievered by God. In addition to the clinical impact from seizures in PWE, it carries a social label and public stigma that influences one's social prognosis. Raising awareness through campaigns would improve the knowledge and practices of the population and hence provide a healthier environment for PWE, alleviating feelings of stigma, and improving their quality of life.

Evaluation of attitudes toward epilepsy and health fatalism in northeastern Turkey

PURPOSE

This study was carried out to identify the attitudes toward epilepsy, health fatalism, and the factors affecting these in individuals living in Artvin in the northeast of Turkey.

METHOD

This descriptive and cross-sectional study involved 1443 healthy individuals at a hospital in Artvin in northeastern Turkey between January and March 2020. An individual information form, an epilepsy attitude scale, and a religious health fatalism scale were used to assess their views. An independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The mean score of participants' attitudes on epilepsy was 48.17 (standard deviation (SD) = 12.93), while the mean of their health fatalism score was 48.43 (SD = 17.41). There was a significant negative correlation between attitude scores and health fatalism (r = -0.084, p = 0.001). Significant differences were found among attitude, health fatalism mean scores, and misconceptions associated with religion about epilepsy being a contagious, psychiatric, and incurable disease that should be hidden. Significant differences were additionally observed among attitude, health fatalism mean scores, and education, marital status, income, employment status, and presence of chronic disease (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It was found that most individuals had moderate level attitude toward epilepsy and had high health fatalism. Individuals with a high degree of health fatalism were found to have more negative attitude toward epilepsy. Attitude was found to be more negative, and health fatalism was found to be higher in individuals with low education level, low-income level, who were married, who were unemployed, who had a chronic disease, and in those who thought epilepsy was a contagious, psychiatric, and incurable disease associated with religion that should be hidden.

IMPLICATIONS

It is recommended that health professionals organize training programs to increase public understanding of epilepsy, improving individual attitudes toward the condition, and minimizing health fatalism.

Prevalence of epilepsy in Saudi pregnant women and possible effects of anti-epileptic drugs on pregnancy outcomes

Objectives:

To determine the prevalence of epilepsy in Saudi pregnant women and estimate the frequency of seizure types in suffering individuals using different anti-epileptic drug modalities. It also aimed to report the teratogenic effects of anti-epileptic drugs as observed in neonates.

Methods:

This prospective study was conducted at King Fahd University Hospital from June 2018 to July 2019. Sixty-eight pregnant women diagnosed with epilepsy were included in this study. Seizure types and their frequencies were recorded along with anti-epileptic drug therapies and their association with fetal/neonatal malformations.

Results:

Out of 68 epileptic pregnant females, 30 (44.1%) experienced focal seizures and 38 (55.9%) experienced generalized seizures. Thirty-nine (57.3%) received monotherapy, 21 (30.9%) received polytherapy and 8 (11.8%) did not take antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy. Thirty-six (52.9%) patients experienced no change in seizure frequency during pregnancy, 19 (27.9%) experienced increase in seizure frequency and 13 (19.1%) showed decreased seizure frequency. The pregnancy outcomes analysis showed 2 (2.9%) intrauterine fetal deaths, whereas 4 (4.9%) neonates showed facial and/or organ malformations.

Conclusion:

The frequency of seizures was found to increase in only 27.9% of the pregnant women in the sample. Malformation and mortality rates were higher in fetuses/neonates of patients with generalized seizures. It was observed that for the patient group using monotherapy, the rate of healthy babies was higher than that of the group using polytherapy.

Knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of students of health-related science colleges towards epilepsy in Taif, Saudi Arabia

Background:

Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders that may be associated with negative attitudes among general populations. This may be due to poor public awareness and knowledge toward epilepsy.

Aim:

To assess knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of students of health-related science colleges toward epilepsy in Taif.

Methods:

This study was conducted in three health-related science colleges in Taif University. A questionnaire was distributed to students of these colleges.

Results:

More than 80% of the participants have heard or read about epilepsy. About half of them had witnessed a seizure attack. More than three quarters of the participants thought that epilepsy is a neurological disease. In total 97% of the participants stated that convulsions are the main manifestations of epilepsy. In total 77.7% of the participants selected the medical treatment and follow-up as the most effective treatment of epilepsy. More than three quarters of the participants agreed with that epileptic woman can get married and have children. About 90% agreed to work with epileptic persons and become a close friend of them. About half of the participants believed that the equal job opportunity for epileptic and normal persons should be practiced.

Conclusion:

The knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of students of health-related science colleges toward epilepsy in Taif were acceptable regarding to this study. However, the negative attitudes and misconceptions still exist. Further studies are needed to determine methods of overcoming these negative attitudes and misconceptions.