Knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy among teachers in Tunisia

Abstract

BackgroundThe importance of school teachers’ knowledge of and attitudes toward epilepsy and its contribution in improving the links between the Education and Health fields, is well recognized and appreciated. In order to clarify the amount of misconceptions about epilepsy among Tunisian teachers, we conducted a web-based survey. The main objectives of our study were, first, to determine the knowledge about and attitudes toward epilepsy, and second, to specify factors associated with a better understanding of this disease. MethodsData were collected using a web-based survey “Google Forms”. ResultsThe study showed a positive correlation between the level of teachers' knowledge of epilepsy and their attitudes toward a person with epilepsy. Despite the knowledge gaps revealed in Tunisian teachers, the overall attitude was at large positive. Familiarity with epilepsy, whether through family or work environment, made a tremendous contribution in redressing misconceptions about epilepsy in our study. ConclusionMore educational interventions and programs are needed to increase teachers' familiarity with epilepsy and, consequently, increase their awareness and knowledge.