Knowledge and Attitude of School Teachers toward Epilepsy in Al-Baha City, Saudi Arabia- A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent unprovoked episodes of seizures. A seizure is a frightening event, especially when it lasts more than five minutes, known as status epilepticus, which, if not treated promptly, can lead to brain injury. Understanding first aid for a seizure is crucial and may save the patient’s life. Aim: To assess school teachers’ knowledge about epilepsy, their attitudes toward epileptic patients, and the factors that affect teachers’ knowledge in Al-Baha City. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Baha City, Saudi Arabia, from November 2021 to May 2022. A total of 305 teachers working in various randomly selected schools, equally distributed between male and female schools, were enrolled. Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire to evaluate teachers’ knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test, with data considered statistically significant when the p-value was less than 0.05. Results: In the present study, out of 305 subjects, 167 (54.8%) were male, and the majority, 137 (44.9%), were aged between 35-44 years. Of the participants, 214 (70.2%) were found to have poor knowledge about epilepsy, particularly regarding its etiology, impact on learning, and treatment options. There was a positive attitude among 211 (69.2%) participants toward hiring epileptic patients in their businesses and 240 (78.7%) responded positively to allowing their children to play with epileptic patients. However, 125 (41%) participants had a negative attitude toward allowing their offspring to marry an epileptic patient. Conclusion: The school teachers’ knowledge about epilepsy was poor. While their attitudes were positive regarding hiring epileptic patients and allowing their children to play with them, their attitude was negative regarding allowing their offspring to marry an epileptic patient.