Assessment of parental understanding of epilepsy and effects of educational programs in an epilepsy camp

Abstract

Purpose: To assess parental knowledge and understanding of epilepsy including social stigma and evaluate the effects of educational programs on parents in an epilepsy camp. Methods: We conducted an epilepsy camp on August 23-24, 2008, at Gyeongsan. Twenty families with an epileptic child each participated in the camp. We performed a survey before and after the camp to obtain data concerning parental understanding of epilepsy and the effects of the camp-based educational programs on the parents. The data were analyzed with SPSS 14.0 using frequency analysis. Results: The parents were sufficiently knowledgeable about epilepsy before the camp, and their knowledge and understanding of epilepsy improved further after the camp. Both perceived stigma and enacted stigma against epilepsy were found in 30.0% of the parents. The perceived stigma decreased to 15.0% after the camp. Conclusion: This study suggests that social approaches such as epilepsy camps are effective in improving parental knowledge and understanding about epilepsy as well as decreasing their perceived social stigma. (Korean J Pediatr 2009;52:549-556)