Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice toward Epilepsy among Primary School Teachers in Al-Rusafa/Baghdad 2022

Abstract

Abstract Background: Epilepsy is one of the most widespread neurological illnesses in the world with a prevalence rate of 2.8–19.5 per 1000 of the general population, and it is more prevalent in childhood. The understanding of the teachers about epilepsy has a significant impact on the academic performance and social skills of schoolchildren with epilepsy. Aim of Study: This study aimed to assess teachers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding epilepsy in schoolchildren and the association of certain studied variables with the level of schoolteachers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included 402 participants and was conducted in Al-Rusafa/Baghdad during the period from November 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection method. Results: Most of the studied sample demonstrated fair knowledge (52%), attitudes (55%), and practices (55%). A significant association was detected between knowledge, attitude, practices, and each of marital status, specialty, and academic qualification (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There was a Fair level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of teachers regarding students with epilepsy. Being single unmarried, of university degree and with a scientific specialty were considered as a predictor factors of good knowledge, attitude, and practice. While age, gender, and years of experience were not associated with any of the knowledge, attitude, and practice parameters. Multiple sources considered a major source of information.