Knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy among primary, secondary and tertiary level teachers

The attitudes toward people with epilepsy are influenced by the degree of knowledge of the condition. Teachers usually do not receive any formal instruction on epilepsy during their training. This study was done to access three hundred teachers' knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy by answering a questionnaire in order to quantify their knowledge, attitude and practice toward epilepsy. Almost all the teachers had heard about epilepsy yet could not demonstrate discrimination among the students. Some teachers still thought that epilepsy was contagious. A few others either objected to having epileptic children in their classes or did not think that an epileptic child could achieve higher studies. The knowledge about the clinical characteristics and initial procedures to attend a person during a seizure was unsatisfactory. We conclude that schools should offer some kind of knowledge or assistance in health services and physicians must ensure that these teachers have sufficient knowledge of epilepsy. Also general public education campaigns should be encouraged in this field.     

Knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy among school teachers and counselors in Jordan

This study investigated the knowledge and attitudes of Jordanian school teachers and counselors toward epilepsy. A sample of 259 teachers and counselors completed the two-part questionnaire. Validity was assessed using an informed panel of judges, and test-retest reliability was established. The results showed average knowledge of epilepsy and generally favorable attitudes toward students with epilepsy. Although participants revealed apt knowledge about the causes and symptoms of epilepsy, they demonstrated poor knowledge about methods of dealing with seizures. However, participants scored high on items relating to the equality of rights and the need for further support. Findings indicated that although participants showed favorable attitudes, more information and awareness about epilepsy should be provided to teachers and counselors within the school systems of Jordan.     

Familiarity with and attitudes towards epilepsy among teachers at Czech elementary schools--the effect of personal experience and subspecialization

This study was intended to study the effect of personal experience and subspecialization on the knowledge of epilepsy of teachers at Czech elementary schools, and on their attitudes towards children with epilepsy and on epilepsy itself in general. 193 teachers from 10 different elementary schools in Pilsen, Czech Republic, were involved in the study. We found that teachers with personal experience of epilepsy had greater knowledge of the illness. There were significant differences (P<0.05) between the attitudes of teachers with and without personal experience, mostly in terms of their views on the self-realization and the integration of children with epilepsy into the school collective. In contrast, no differences were found in their views of the intellectual capabilities of children with epilepsy or the overall quality of life of children with epilepsy. Furthermore, we found that subspecialization, aside from a few exceptions given by the specific position of first grade teachers, did not have major effect on teachers' knowledge of epilepsy and their attitudes towards children with epilepsy. The results suggest that it would be appropriate to focus educational interventions about epilepsy for teachers on those individuals who do not have any experience of epilepsy.     

Survey of Public Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes Toward Epilepsy in Taiwan

Summary: A survey of public awareness and understanding of and attitudes toward epilepsy was made in Taipei City and Chin-San Village, Taiwan in 1992. In a population sample of 2,610 adults, 87% had read or heard about epilepsy, 70% knew someone who had epilepsy, 56% had seen someone having a seizure, 18% would object to having their children associated with persons with epilepsy, 72% would object to having their children marry a person with epilepsy, 31% believed that epileptic persons should not be employed in jobs as other persons are, 7% believed that epilepsy was a form of insanity, 34% did not know the cause of epilepsy, 13% did not know what an epileptic attack was like, and 18% did not know what to recommend if their friends or relatives had epilepsy. Youth, higher education, and upper levels of employment were correlated with answers that were more favorable concerning epilepsy in all survey questions except for the question regarding marriage, for which the reverse was noted. The attitudes toward epilepsy disclosed by this study were more favorable than those detected in a similar survey conducted in Henan Province, China. The comparison suggests that the exposure to Western culture and socioeconomic system in Taiwan might have helped reduce the discrimination against epilepsy.     

Survey of public awareness, understanding, and attitudes toward epilepsy in Henan province, China

The awareness, understanding, and attitudes toward epilepsy in 1,278 men and women were surveyed in Henan, China in 1988. Results showed that 93% had read or heard about epilepsy; 77% knew someone who had epilepsy; 72% had seen someone who was having a seizure; 57% would object to having their children associate with persons with epilepsy in school or at play; 87% would object to having their children marry a person with epilepsy; 53% believed that epileptic persons should not be employed in jobs as other persons are; 16% believed that epilepsy was a form of insanity; 40% did not know the cause of epilepsy; 10% did not know what an epileptic attack was like; and 17% did not know what to recommend if their friends or relatives had epilepsy. The relationship between the responses and the respondents' age, sex, marital status, number of offspring, level of education, occupation, and residence was analyzed. Education reduced the respondent's prejudice against play and employment, but did not change their objection to marriage and appeared to have reinforced their linking epilepsy with insanity. As compared with the surveys conducted in Western countries, our survey showed that awareness of epilepsy in China was greater, if not the same, but the attitudes toward epilepsy were much more negative.     

Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy in Italy: Results of a Survey and Comparison with U.S.A. and West German Data

In May 1983, the Italian Institute of Public Opinion DOXA ran, for the Italian League Against Epilepsy, a survey to evaluate public attitudes toward epilepsy in Italy. Eight questions were addressed to a sample of 1,043 adults. Twenty-seven percent did not know what epilepsy was. The least knowledge was observed among elderly people, in the southern regions and the islands, in villages more than in cities, and, in particular, among the poorest social classes. Sixty-one percent had known someone who had epilepsy, and 52% had seen someone having a seizure. When those familiar with epilepsy were asked if they would object to having their children in school or at play associate with persons with seizures, only 11% replied they would object. Seventy percent thought that persons with epilepsy should be employed in jobs like other people, and only 8% thought epilepsy to be a form of insanity. When those familiar with epilepsy were asked if epilepsy is a curable illness, one-third answered negatively, one-third answered affirmatively, and one-third had no personal opinion. The Italian data seem to fall within the standard of the American (1979) and West German (1978) surveys.     

Knowledge attitudes and practice toward epilepsy among adults in BaVi, Vietnam: first report from the population-based EPIBAVI study

PURPOSE: We conducted a survey to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward epilepsy in a population-based study in a rural district of Vietnam. METHODS: We utilized an established knowledge-attitudes-practice questionnaire. This was applied by trained surveyors in face-to-face interviews of 2005 randomly selected adult residents (19-71 years of age) of the BaVi district, 60 km west of Hanoi. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 67.0% had heard about epilepsy, 52.1% had known someone with seizures, and 49.3% had witnessed seizures. In total, 36.3% would object to their children playing with someone with seizures and 82.0% to their children marrying someone with epilepsy. Only 32.6% thought that epilepsy patients should be employed in a job as other people, while 10% thought that epilepsy was a form of insanity. Familiarity with epilepsy, having heard of epilepsy, known someone with epilepsy, or having seen seizures was associated with less negative attitudes. About half of the respondents (50.4%) thought epilepsy was caused by a brain disease and 80.1% would suggest consultation of a medical doctor for epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of epilepsy among Vietnamese people is still limited compared to some Western countries and the attitudes more negative. Our findings indicated more negative attitudes than in another recent survey from Vietnam. This may be due to differences in sociodemographic characteristics and educational level of the study populations. The discrepancies demonstrate the importance of selection of study population and the need for caution in generalizing from results of surveys.     

Knowledge,attitudes, and beliefs about epilepsy and their predictors among university students in Jordan

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge about epilepsy and the attitudes toward people with epilepsy (PWE) and their predictors among university students in Jordan. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed in three of the largest public universities in Jordan, and a total of 500 questionnaires were collected from each university. The number of students who reported that they had heard or read about epilepsy was 1165 (77.6%), and their data were analyzed. A significant proportion of students thought that epilepsy could be caused by the evil spirit (31.5%) and the evil eye (28.1%) or that it could be a punishment from God (25.9%). Epilepsy's most commonly reported treatment methods were the Holy Quran (71.4%), medications (71.3%), and herbs (29.3%). The most common negative attitudes toward PWE were that the students would refuse to marry someone with epilepsy (50.5%) and that children with epilepsy must join schools for persons with disabilities (44.4%). Male students, students of humanities, and students with a low socioeconomic status tended to have more negative attitudes toward PWE. In conclusion, many students have misconceptions about the causes, treatment, and nature of epilepsy, and students have moderate negative attitudes toward PWE. Universities should have health promotion programs to increase awareness of their students about major public health problems such as epilepsy.     

A study on awareness and attitude of teachers on epilepsy in Istanbul.

Epilepsy is a disease frequently seen among school children. Children having seizures may bother their teachers, who do not receive specific training about epilepsy during their education. Moreover, teachers feel desperate not knowing how to handle the situation. In a series of seminars it was our aim both to investigate and to improve the present awareness, knowledge, and attitude of elementary school teachers about epilepsy in Istanbul. In the pre- and post-seminar tests teachers who attended the seminar on a voluntary basis, were asked 29 questions. There were 346 male and female participants aged (mean +/- S.D.) 32.19 +/- 7.25. 69.3% of the participating teachers had either read or heard about epilepsy, while 71.9% had seen someone having a seizure and 59.4% knew someone with epilepsy. Although they had some prior misconceptions, like considering epilepsy a contagious (2.3%) or a psychological disease (17.8%), the teachers' knowledge and awareness improved after the seminar due to their special interest in the subject. Consequently, their negative attitude toward the participation of people with epilepsy in sports and social activities diminished post seminar. However, it should be noted that further education not only of teachers but also of family members is always required.     

Knowledge,attitudes, and behavior among key people involved in the employment of people with epilepsy in southern Benin

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among individuals working to achieve, or promote, the employment and retention in employment of people with epilepsy (PWE) in Benin.MethodsWe interviewed 300 subjects using a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsKnowledge: 93% had heard of epilepsy; 8.8% had at least one person with epilepsy (PWE) in their family; and 67.3% had witnessed a person having epileptic seizures.Attitudes and behavior: 95.3% and 95%, respectively, expressed their views that PWE should be able to enter mainstream education and that PWE should marry; 76.4% considered PWE equal to themselves; and 28.6% reported they would not hire a PWE. We found some associations between demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among respondents. A few unhelpful aspects of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior were identified.ConclusionsOur study showed a fairly high level of accurate knowledge of epilepsy, but some misperceptions and unhelpful attitudes and practices toward PWE in Benin were noted. This study's findings can be used to help plan appropriate strategies based on correcting misperceptions concerning inclusion and retention in employment of PWE in Benin.     

Knowledge,attitudes, and practices among mothers of children with epilepsy: A study in a teaching hospital

ObjectiveKnowledge about epilepsy and attitudes towards patients with epilepsy can affect measures taken to manage epilepsy and seizures. Support and understanding of mothers is invaluable in enabling children with epilepsy to develop normal life skills in living with epilepsy. In order to identify the educational needs of mothers of children with epilepsy, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices should be assessed. Therefore, we interviewed a group of mothers of children with epilepsy who were referred to a pediatric neurology clinic in a teaching hospital. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices among mothers of children with epilepsy in order to identify their educational needs.MethodsIn the period of August 2014 to January 2015, mothers whose children were diagnosed with epilepsy for at least six months participated in this cross sectional study, while returning to the neurology clinic of a pediatric hospital for usual follow-up. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, held by trained female general practitioners. The interviewer used questions from a questionnaire. The knowledge section of the questionnaire included questions regarding prevalence and general knowledge about epilepsy, its etiology, symptoms, and seizure provoking factors. The attitudes section included statements regarding the mother's attitudes towards epilepsy and patients with the disease. The practice section included questions about first-aid measures taken by mothers who had witnessed generalized seizures by the time of interview.ResultsResponses of 206 participants were analyzed. At least 83% of mothers knew that epilepsy is a noncontagious neurological disorder which can be treated by regular drug therapy. In spite of demonstrating good knowledge scores, the majority of mothers felt the need for further training in epilepsy. More than 98% of mothers were against the idea that patients with epilepsy should hide their disease. Though having been referred to physicians, 84% of mothers had provided their children with at least one ineffective treatment, mostly based on superstitions.ConclusionMothers' level of knowledge of epilepsy was good, and their attitudes towards epilepsy were mainly positive. Regarding the right first-aid measures at time of the last seizure, mothers' practices were acceptable. However, there is still room for improvement regarding avoiding the wrong measures. It is suggested that both practice-related issues and other aspects of epilepsy be taken into account in epilepsy-related education programs.     

Knowledge about epilepsy and attitudes towards affected people among teachers in training in the Czech Republic

The aim of this study was to compare knowledge about, confidence with, and attitudes towards epilepsy and affected people between groups of freshmen and senior teachers in training (preservice teachers) at the Faculty of Education in Pilsen, Czech Republic. Two hundred thirty-six freshmen and 138 seniors completed the 21-item Scale of Attitudes Towards People with Epilepsy (ATPE), an 18-item multiple-choice test measuring their knowledge about epilepsy, and a 5-item questionnaire focused on confidence with epilepsy in a school environment. We found that despite a higher level of knowledge about epilepsy among seniors (mean score of 9.6 points compared with 8.48 points for freshmen, p < 0.001), attitudes towards epilepsy, and also confidence in how to manage children affected with this disease did not differ significantly. The presented findings suggest that epilepsy-related training of preservice teachers should be more effective especially with respect to their ability to resolve problems that may happen to children with epilepsy in a class.     

Knowledge and attitude of the Greek educational community toward epilepsy and the epileptic student

The purpose of this study was to investigate primary and secondary school teachers' knowledge of and attitudes toward epilepsy and the epileptic child. A 14-item questionnaire was administered to 300 teachers in three major Greek cities. The focus of interest was the teachers' basic knowledge of epilepsy, their perceptions of the consequences of epilepsy on a student's academic potential and behavior, their tendency to accept or reject the epileptic child, and their ability to help a convulsing child. The majority of teachers have a correct opinion about the nature of epilepsy and its short-term prognosis (control by medication), but are very pessimistic about its long-term prognosis (cure). They believe that although some epileptic children may have mental, learning, or behavioral problems, most of then do not and are therefore capable of academic achievements. The attitude of most teachers is very positive toward the epileptic child, and almost all believe that these children should continue their studies at their regular school. An alarming finding is the reported inability of most teachers to help a convulsing child. Personal knowledge of an epileptic student was a significant factor in determining many of the teachers' responses. Better education of teachers concerning epilepsy and the practical skills involved in first-aid are necessary measures for Greek teachers.     

Psychosocial aspects of epilepsy in Oman: attitude of health personnel

PURPOSE: To assess with a questionnaire the awareness and attitudes of the doctors in Oman toward epilepsy. Attitudes of society toward epilepsy have a wide-ranging influence, affecting issues as diverse as compliance with treatment and doctor--patient communication. Recent studies in both developing and developed countries suggest that within the medical profession, there is a lack of knowledge and negative attitudes toward people with epilepsy (PWE). There are no equivalent studies for Oman or the Arab world. METHODS: The questionnaire included queries on the backgrounds of the physicians, including their training and qualifications, the main sources of their knowledge of epilepsy, as well as their perceptions of the attributes and care requirements of PWE. RESULTS: Sixty-two percent (n=121) of those questioned, who were medical personnel working in different regions of Oman, responded. The results suggest that, despite coming from diverse cultural backgrounds and nationalities, the practicing doctors in Oman gained knowledge of epilepsy much earlier than did their counterparts in developed countries. The majority of the respondents thought that PWE have more propensities toward dysfunctional personality and behavioral characteristics than do "normal" people. On questions relating to public image, our respondents opined that, although the general public is negative toward PWE, the realities regarding PWE should be publicized because PWE are capable of having a normal family life and being an integral part of society. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of having an earlier exposure to seizures and sympathetic acceptance of PWE, negative views still persist on matters related to cognitive and behavior domains. It is concluded that a developing country such as Oman must inculcate more realistic perceptions and attitudes among their doctors toward PWE.     

Knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy among primary and secondary schoolteachers in Italy

A nationwide telephone interview was conducted on a random sample of Italian schoolteachers (300 from primary and 300 from secondary schools) to ascertain knowledge and attitudes about epilepsy. Included were 516 women and 84 men aged 22 to 70 years. Thirty-seven percent of the teachers believed epilepsy starts only in childhood, 55% considered it hereditary, 46.8% declared it incurable, and only 10.5% knew surgery is a therapeutic option. Thirty-three percent considered epilepsy a moderate-to-strong limitation for marriage, 24.6% for having children, 39.7% for regular employment, and 32.8% for sports and leisure activities. Among the teachers, 66.4% declared they were unable to manage a seizing child, 24.7% were convinced that epilepsy impairs learning, 26.0% believed that it carries mental/behavioral alterations, and 36.4% thought it requires support at school. Differences in knowledge and attitudes were predicted by teachers' age and area of residency. There were no major differences between teachers and the Italian population in their knowledge and attitudes.     

Factors contributing to Korean teachers' attitudes toward students with epilepsy

We investigated factors contributing to teachers' attitudes toward students with epilepsy. Data were collected from 604 teachers in Korea. The questionnaire included the Scale of Attitudes Toward Persons with Epilepsy (ATPE) and a demographic and teaching experience survey. In stepwise linear regression analysis, ATPE Knowledge scores (P<0.001) and prior experience teaching a student with epilepsy (P=0.001) were identified as significant factors for ATPE Attitude scores. The ATPE Knowledge scores accounted for 50.1% of the variance in the Attitude scores, and experience teaching a student with epilepsy accounted only for 1.0%. Our finding that teachers' knowledge is the most important factor influencing teacher's attitudes toward epilepsy indicates that teachers should be provided with information about epilepsy universally, across geographic settings, educational levels, and experience levels.     

Teachers' knowledge about epilepsy and attitudes toward students with epilepsy: results of a national survey

The attitudes and epilepsy-related knowledge of teachers are an important component of the educational experiences of children with epilepsy. Unfortunately however, the exploration of teacher attitudes and knowledge has been extremely limited in the United States. This article describes a survey-based research study of the attitudes and epilepsy-related knowledge of a randomly selected national sample of 512 elementary and middle school teachers in the United States. The questionnaire included the Scale of Attitudes Toward Persons with Epilepsy (ATPE), a summated rating scale that measures both attitudes toward persons with epilepsy and knowledge about epilepsy, as well as a demographic and teaching experience survey and several additional attitude and knowledge items developed by the researchers. The results suggest that although teachers' attitudes about epilepsy were generally positive, there were significant deficits in terms of general knowledge about epilepsy, its impact in educational settings, and the appropriate management of epilepsy and seizures in the classroom. Critical areas in which to focus remedial education and outreach efforts are identified.     

Knowledge of,perceptions of,attitudes and practices regarding epilepsy among medical students in Turkey

PurposeMedical practitioners' attitudes have a significant impact on the quality of care for patients with epilepsy. This study was conducted to assess the current level of knowledge about epilepsy and treatment together with attitudes and perception toward patients with epilepsy among medical students in Turkey.MethodThe study was conducted using a structured questionnaire to assess knowledge, awareness, and practices about epilepsy among medical students at Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey.ResultsEight hundred and ninety subjects were interviewed, and 73.5% reported their awareness about epilepsy. Of these, 38.1% knew someone who had epilepsy, and 38.5% had witnessed an epileptic seizure. Although most of the students had heard about epilepsy, 38.4% of the students believed that epilepsy was primarily a genetic disease. About one-fifth of the students attributed the causes of epilepsy to vitamin deficiency (8.8%) and psychiatric (19.1%), infectious (19.5%), mental (4.4%), and hematological disorders (3.4%). According to 4.8% of the students, epilepsy could be a punishment from God, and 2.1% of students thought that it could be caused by an evil spirit. Eighty-eight percent considered epilepsy as a dangerous disease, and most of them thought that epilepsy is a lifelong condition. Fifty point six percent indicated that putting an object into the patient's mouth to prevent tongue-biting during a seizure is appropriate while 91.9% stated that drug therapy was the only treatment available for epilepsy. The most common negative attitudes toward people with epilepsy were students' objection to marrying someone with epilepsy and patients with epilepsy having children.ConclusionMisconceptions about the causes, treatment, and nature of epilepsy are common among medical students at a Turkish medical school. Negative attitudes toward patients with epilepsy still exist. Medical school training programs should be designed to increase awareness of students about epilepsy.     

TEACHERS'' CONCERNS ABOUT CHRONICALLY SICK CHILDREN: IMPLICATIONS FOR PAEDIATRICIANS

147 experienced teachers completed a questionnaire concerning their knowledge of and attitudes toward chronic childhood disease. On the whole, their knowledge of the causes and treatments involved was rudimentary. Teachers were especially concerned that they did not know how to deal with medical emergencies in the classroom, and about the repercussions for other children. The results identify the type of information teachers feel they most need in order to teach sick children, and should increase awareness among paediatricians of how difficulties in school can arise.     

Familiarity with, knowledge of, and attitudes toward epilepsy in residents of Seoul, South Korea

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of epilepsy in Seoul, South Korea, a country where social stigma toward epilepsy is still pronounced. METHODS: We randomly selected 1000 persons living in Seoul and performed telephone interviews regarding public awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward epilepsy. RESULTS: Among 1000 respondents, the 92% who had read or heard about epilepsy became the subjects of the study. Word of mouth was most often referenced as a source of knowledge (78%). Forty-seven percentage believed that epilepsy is inheritable, whereas 5% thought that epilepsy is a mental illness. Marriage of their children to an epileptic person, childbearing by women with epilepsy, and employing a person with epilepsy were opposed by more than 50% of respondents. The reasons for the negative attitudes were that epilepsy was hereditary and untreatable (P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that there still remains negative attitudes regarding the marriage, childbearing, and employment of persons with epilepsy, which may stem from misconceptions about the cause and treatability of epilepsy, possibly due in part to the influence of herbal medicine, and South Korea's ethnic homogeneity. Public health education either through media or school health education is urgently needed to improve knowledge about, and attitudes toward epilepsy.