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Epilepsy; what do Saudi's living in Riyadh know?
Ahmed Alaqeel1, Abdulrahman J Sabbagh
1Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Seizure
|January 9, 2013
Summary
Public awareness and knowledge about epilepsy in Saudi Arabia require significant improvement. Many individuals hold misconceptions and lack understanding of epilepsy causes and management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder in Saudi Arabia, affecting approximately 6.54 per 1000 individuals.
- Understanding public awareness, attitudes, and knowledge is crucial for effective epilepsy management and reducing stigma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the level of public awareness regarding epilepsy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- To investigate public attitudes and knowledge about epilepsy among the Saudi population.
Main Methods:
- A survey with 19 questions on epilepsy awareness was administered to over 7000 Saudi citizens aged 15+ in Riyadh.
- Participants were recruited from various public locations including malls, supermarkets, mosques, and educational institutions.
Main Results:
- While 95.5% had heard of epilepsy, significant gaps in knowledge were identified, including misconceptions about its infectious nature (14.2%) and mental illness classification (8.1%).
- A notable percentage lacked awareness of epilepsy causes (21.3%), appropriate seizure response (31.4%), and treatment options like surgery (92.6%).
- Attitudes towards social integration showed mixed results, with 73% willing to allow interaction but 76% opposing marriage with individuals with epilepsy. Education level and age significantly impacted awareness and attitudes.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a substantial need to enhance epilepsy awareness and correct misconceptions within the Saudi population.
- Targeted public health initiatives are necessary to improve understanding, reduce stigma, and promote better management of epilepsy in Saudi Arabia.
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