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Youth's knowledge and attitude to epilepsy
A Zielińska1, E Kłos, D Talarska
1Department of Preventive Health, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland. abra@icpnet.pl
Roczniki Akademii Medycznej W Bialymstoku (1995)
|August 27, 2005
Summary
Youth possess insufficient knowledge regarding epilepsy, including its causes and first aid procedures, despite generally positive attitudes towards peers with the condition. This highlights a need for better epilepsy education in schools.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Epilepsy affects millions globally, necessitating public understanding and acceptance.
- Youthful misconceptions about epilepsy can lead to social stigma and isolation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of adolescents towards peers with epilepsy.
- To identify gaps in epilepsy education among secondary school students.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 181 secondary school students in Poznań.
- The questionnaire assessed awareness of epilepsy, its causes, contagiousness, and first aid protocols.
Main Results:
- While 91% knew epilepsy isn't contagious, 12% mistakenly believed it's a mental illness.
- Only 2% of students knew how to administer first aid during a seizure.
- A significant majority (92%) expressed willingness to befriend individuals with epilepsy.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent knowledge about epilepsy, particularly concerning causes, triggers, and first aid, is inadequate.
- Television was the primary source of epilepsy information for students.
- Despite knowledge deficits, most students demonstrated positive social acceptance of peers with epilepsy.