Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and awareness regarding epilepsy among under graduate pharmacy students in Karachi, Pakistan. The questionnaire was distributed to the pharmacy students of 4th and 5th year in three different universities of Karachi, Pakistan from August to September, 2013 and the data was assessed using descriptive analysis. Five hundred questionnaires were distributed among the students and 467 were returned (93.4% response rate) after filling. Majority of the students were female (n = 380, 81.4%). It was found that all the students were aware about epilepsy (100%) while (71.9%) were aware of its types. It was also found that printed information was the main information source regarding epilepsy apart from class lectures. Overall responsiveness for most of the questions was in affirmative. The result of this study indicates a satisfactory level of awareness and knowledge of epilepsy among undergraduate pharmacy students in Karachi but it is necessary to advance understanding of the disease and its treatment among all the pharmacy students as they represent a well-informed fraction of society and healthcare system regarding the drug use. Key words: Epilepsy, awareness, pharmacy students.
Highlights
Epilepsy or recurring seizures is one of the most common and non-communicable brain disease world-wide (Scott et al, 2001)
Surveys are conducted to raise the awareness of the extent of social recognition of epilepsy (Jacoby et al, 2004)
Studies have reported that more educated people present more positive attitude and (Jensen et al, 1992; Chung et al, 1995) proper perception of epilepsy but fallacy still continues in some areas (Nyame et al, 1997)
Summary
Epilepsy or recurring seizures is one of the most common and non-communicable brain disease world-wide (Scott et al, 2001). Patients with epilepsy face stigma placed upon them by the people in addition to their disease which deprives patients of disclosing their condition and seeking proper treatment (World Health Organization (WHO), 1999). Studies have reported that more educated people present more positive attitude and (Jensen et al, 1992; Chung et al, 1995) proper perception of epilepsy but fallacy still continues in some areas (Nyame et al, 1997). In countries like United States and Denmark, enhanced public knowledge and approach about epilepsy have been seen due to sturdy public education and understanding (Caveness and Gallup, 1980; Canger and Cornagsia, 1985; Jensen and Dam Me, 1992) whereas inadequate studies are offered in developing countries (Radhakrishnan et al, 2000; Gambhir et al, 1995).
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