Perceptions of teachers regarding the inclusion of epilepsy education in life skills for primary learners and teachers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces (South Africa)

Abstract

Background. Epilepsy is a frequent neurological condition with complicated effects, and it is characterized by seizures that can last quite a long time. It is important that people around treat epilepsy patients with understanding and be able to help them during seizures.Objective: to determine the perceptions of teachers regarding epilepsy education being included in life skills education considering that teachers spend a great deal of time with school students.Material and methods. The study employed an exploratory-descriptive design to explore primary school teachers' perceptions regarding the need to include epilepsy in life skills education. It was conducted in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces in South Africa. Data were collected from 20 primary school teachers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga using semi-structured interviews. Only primary school teachers who teach life skills were interviewed to reach data saturation.Results. The respondents revealed their knowledge that epilepsy is a disease associated with falling, shivering movements/ seizures, releasing saliva in a bubble foam, and being unconscious. However, they showed insufficient understanding regarding some aspects and expressed the opinion that there is a need of including epilepsy in life skills education, because it will assist the learners and teachers in knowing more about epilepsy. The participants consider that since epileptic seizure is an unpredictable condition that can happen to anyone, at any time, they feel it is important that learners and teachers are educated about it. For this purpose, they suggested various teaching methods and the necessary areas of knowledge about epilepsy.Conclusion. The findings of the study revealed that the inclusion of epilepsy in life skills education will enhance the knowledge and understanding of epilepsy through learning the aspects that have been suggested by the participants.