Knowledge of epilepsy among schoolteachers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: With an incidence of 6 instances per 1,000 persons, epilepsy is a neurological illness that develops because of excessive neuronal impulses. Prejudice and social stigma are associated with epilepsy, and these factors affect kids more than the condition itself. Families dissuade their kids from participating in school, sports, and other activities because of stigma. We aimed to assess the level of knowledge concerning epilepsy among schoolteachers in Riyadh. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeting 253 female and male schoolteachers in 13 schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via a paper-based self-administered questionnaire using an epilepsy questionnaire that contains three sections to assess schoolteachers' knowledge, attitude, and social impact toward epilepsy, data were analyzed via SPSS. Results: Out of a total of 253 schoolteachers, 96.4% know about the disease epilepsy, and 60.5% of them had seen an epileptic seizure before. The majority 71.5% reported that epilepsy is a neurological disorder. Female schoolteachers 31.2% and male 7.1% believe that traumatic brain injury is the cause of epilepsy, there is a significant statistical correlation between the cause of epilepsy and gender (p = 0.004). 30.8% of females think epilepsy is an incurable disease unlike males 10.7% think that it is curable, there is a significant statistical relation (p = 0.001) Conclusion: The primary findings indicated that schoolteachers in Riyadh city have somewhat of a positive knowledge toward epilepsy. However, there is still a need to enhance certain aspects of schoolteachers' knowledge about epilepsy and increase awareness about the disease to avoid complications and discrimination.