Level of awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward epilepsy among students at king Khalid university, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

purpose: Epilepsy is a major public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to explore the level of awareness, knowledge regarding epilepsy and attitudes prevalent toward epilepsy among king Khalid university students. Methods: The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with the voluntary participation of 227 participants from students at King Khalid University. The mean age of participating was (20.10 ± 1.3). Theoretical and practical colleges used questionnaires to assess students' knowledge about epilepsy and their attitudes towards it. Results: A total of 227 respondents completed the survey; the results showed almost all had heard about epilepsy. Only 83.7% have never had any information on how to treat a patient with epilepsy. 80.6% think non-medical treatment is beneficial for epilepsy %13.2% do not know how to do first aid to deal with epileptic seizures. Almost 32.6% did not know the cause of epilepsy, 59% believed that it was a hereditary disorder 44.1% believed epilepsy is a form of mental illness, 57.3% believed that epilepsy patients die because of epileptic seizures. 59% believed that it was a hereditary disorder 44.1% believed epilepsy is a form of mental illness, 11% of participants thought that epilepsy is caused by evil spirits, 57.3% believed that epilepsy patients die because of epileptic seizures. There were also many students who held negative attitudes towards patients with epilepsy in regard to major life milestones such as marriage and having children. 16.7% indicated that it presents an impediment in participation in sports, approximately 6.2% objected to marrying someone with epilepsy, Moreover 11.5% thought they should not have children and, the study showed 46,3% would not allow their child to play with a child with epilepsy. Moreover 14.5 afraid to live with someone with epilepsy. the study showed 6,6 % objected accept working with a patient with epilepsy. Conclusions: The level of awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of students at King Khalid toward epilepsy were acceptable regarding this study. However, the negative attitudes and misconceptions still exist. Further studies are needed to determine methods of overcoming these negative attitudes and misconceptions toward epilepsy.