Knowledge, Attitude & Practices related to Epilepsy among parents of Epileptic Children attending Selected Hospital in Ahmedabad city, Gujarat

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is one of the most common pediatric neurological disorders and is a brain condition that causes a child to have seizure. Misconceptions and poor understanding about the nature of epilepsy contribute to the burden of disease and lead to stigma. Misconceptions and negative attitudes cause people with epilepsy to feel shame, embarrassment, and disgrace. Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) related to Epilepsy amongst the parents of epileptic children. Method: A cross-sectional study was among 187 parents of epileptic child who attended outpatient pediatric department of selected hospitals of Ahmedabad were interviewed. A structured interview of the parents of epileptic children was conducted using modified international questionnaires. Modified Bloom’s cut-off points were used to determine KAP levels. Kruskal–Wallis test was applied on knowledge, attitude and practice levels. Chi square test was used to find out association. Results: The study showed that out of 187 respondents, around 61% were from age group 31 to 40 years and 54.5% were females. Among all participants, 53.5% had Good knowledge, 84.5% of parents had good attitude. Around 18.2% parents had good practices and about 9.1% had poor practices related to epilepsy. There were statistically significant associations between knowledge, attitude, and practice score with respect to gender, age, and occupation. Conclusion: Parents knowledge regarding epilepsy was good as more than half of parents were having good knowledge. Majority of the Parents had good attitude towards epilepsy. There was significant positive correlation between knowledge and practices and attitudes and practices.