Knowledge and Attitude towards Epilepsy First Aid among General Population in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder requiring appropriate first aid during seizures. This study assesses the knowledge and attitudes of Al-Baha region residents in Saudi Arabia regarding epilepsy first aid. Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 830 residents aged 18 and above in the Al-Baha region. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and surveyed using a validated online questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. The questionnaire collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, epilepsy-related knowledge and perceptions of first aid. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, Chi-squared tests and Student’s t -tests were used to evaluate the data, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Analysis revealed significant gaps in knowledge and varying attitudes towards epilepsy first aid among the participants. Key findings included that 52.7% of participants personally knew a patient with epilepsy, 62.5% believed a child could be in an epileptic attack and go undetected and 41.4% thought epilepsy is a lifelong disorder. Only 42.3% knew how to manage a child during an epileptic attack, and 12.3% had a high level of overall epilepsy knowledge. Nearly all participants (94.3%) believed first aid is important in epilepsy, and 90.8% thought the community lacked first aid awareness. While 60.5% had high knowledge about epilepsy first aid, significant misconceptions persisted. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for targeted educational programmes to improve knowledge and attitudes regarding epilepsy first aid in the Al-Baha region. Implementing programmes in schools, public health and communities support epilepsy awareness, reducing stigma.
Authors: Ghadeer M. Fatani, Sara Mahfoud Alghamdi, Fatemah H. Algafli, Ahmed S. Alghamdi, Lujain A. Alghamdi, Alanoud S. Alzahrani, Renad M. Alzahrani, Mesfer S. Alzahrani, Hidar S. Alshakas, Hassan M. Alghamdi
Institution: Al Baha University
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4412528066