Knowledge, attitude, and practice of epilepsy in a rural community in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of epilepsy in rural communities is crucial in developing educational materials for epilepsy awareness, as most people living with epilepsy (PLWE) live in these communities. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitudes of rural residents toward epilepsy and its treatment, identifying areas for developing educational materials to increase epilepsy awareness in Southeast (SE) Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in one of the rural communities near Enugu metropolis, Nigeria. A semi-structured validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: Almost half of the participants (49.6%) had seen someone convulsing in the past and 44% knew someone with epilepsy. The primary sources of information about epilepsy were from family members 166 (31.3%) and home environment 161 (30.4%). Eighty seven (16.4%) participants believed that epilepsy may be caused by witches or charms. The mean score in knowledge was low (30.8 ± 8.4). Significant differences in attitude were observed among participants who had witnessed seizures (p < 0.01), have relatives with epilepsy (P = 0.045), and have not had such experiences (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Knowledge and attitudes of epilepsy among rural residents are lacking and fraught with misconceptions. Both knowledge and attitude were worse among those closely associated with PLWE. Targeted educational programs for rural residents are important to improve epilepsy knowledge and attitudes in rural SE Nigeria.

Keywords

• attitude
• epilepsy
• knowledge
• nigeria
• rural community