PP14.12 – 2534: How much knowledge have medical and educational professionals imposing restrictions in children with epilepsy?

Abstract

Objective To evaluate and compare the knowledge of medical (MP) and educational (EP) professionals regarding setting limits and bans on children with epilepsy. Respondents are methods: The study included 157 respondents: 88 MP and 69 EP. The questionnaire of 23 claims with the “True – False” answers were constructed. Three areas of activities were evaluated: school, sports and everyday activities. Results In the total sample there were 72.6% correct answers. MP showed significantly better knowledge regarding restrictions for children and adolescent with epilepsy (MP 75.9% vs EP 68.6% correct answers). In the total sample, the best knowledge of permissions and restrictions of children with epilepsy is in the school activities (83.8% correct answers), followed by sports activities (70.1%), and the weakest knowledge in the area of everyday activities (66%). MP showed a better knowledge than EP regarding the set justified limits to children with epilepsy in school and sports activities. The knowledge in the area of limitations of everyday activities of children with epilepsy in these two groups is equal (65.9% vs. 66.1%) and lower than the other two activity areas. A significant difference shows up between the knowledge regarding justified restrictions in 3 areas: school, sports and everyday activities of a child in the group of MP as well as EP. In the area associated with restrictions of everyday activities, both groups showed the weakest knowledge. Conclusion The results reveal that medical and educational professionals don't have an accurate conception of the prohibitions and restrictions in children with epilepsy. Justification of imposing various prohibitions and restrictions is deficient, especially among teachers. Indicators of knowledge deficiency according to which children treated for epilepsy can be imposed by unjustified restrictions or left out necessary ones, surely indicate the need to continuously organize education of medical and educational professionals on this issue.