Work

Prior Knowledge of Epilepsy Predicts Positive Attitudes and Practices Toward Persons Living With Epilepsy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background Epilepsy‐associated misconceptions may put persons living with epilepsy (PLWE) at risk of developing psychological disorders, resulting in a decrease in social contact. Purpose Understanding knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about epilepsy is essential in developing strategies to dispel these epilepsy‐associated myths and misconceptions. Method This cross‐sectional study assessed the KAP relating to epilepsy among undergraduate university students and traders in Ghana using a structured questionnaire. Findings Of the 532 participants surveyed, the majority were aware of epilepsy (95.3%), although 65.8% had poor/inadequate knowledge. Misconceptions were evident, as 25.9% of the participants reported that epilepsy is due to ancestral sin. Regarding attitudes toward epilepsy, 27.6% were positive, but 84.2% acknowledged societal discrimination against PLWE. A third of the participants exhibited good/appropriate practices toward PLWE. The Mann–Whitney U test showed a significant difference between males and females on the possession of adequate knowledge about epilepsy (male = 282.75 and female = 251.43, p = 0.018, n = 532) as well as practices toward PLWE (male = 287.34 and female = 247.17, p = 0.002, n = 532). Also, knowledge about epilepsy ( χ 2 = 20.324, p = 0.018) and attitude toward PLWE ( χ 2 = 11.880, p = 0.036) vary by age group, as shown by the Kruskal–Wallis test. Prior knowledge about epilepsy significantly predicted positive attitudes [AOR: 95% CI (2.794, 10.938), p = 0.000] and practices [AOR: 95% CI (0.675, 9.137), p = 0.003] toward PLWE. Conclusion Overall, there is the need for targeted educational interventions to correct misconceptions and improve KAP about epilepsy.

Source: Brain and Behavior

DOI: 10.1002/brb3.71161

Authors: Nana Ama Otua Otabil, Abdala Mumuni Ussif, Francis Tanam Djankpa, Kwasi Agyen‐Mensah, Daniel Lawer Egbenya

Institution: University of Cape Coast

Language: English

Topic: Epilepsy research and treatment

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,630