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Parents' knowledge, awareness, and practices towards children with epilepsy in the Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia: A
Khalid A Bin Abdulrahman1, Abdulaziz M Alghanim2, Ayad A Bagazi2
1Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Parental knowledge of childhood epilepsy in Riyadh is moderate, with many misconceptions remaining. Educational programs are needed to improve understanding, first aid, and community support for children with epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Epilepsy is a common childhood neurological disorder with high prevalence in Saudi Arabia.
- Limited data exist on parental knowledge, awareness, and practices (KAP) regarding childhood epilepsy in Riyadh.
- High consanguinity rates may contribute to the prevalence of epilepsy in Saudi Arabia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess parental knowledge, awareness, and practices (KAP) concerning childhood epilepsy in Riyadh.
- To identify misconceptions and attitudes of parents towards epilepsy in Riyadh.
- To evaluate the need for targeted educational interventions for parents of children with epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 455 parents in Riyadh.
- A 27-item online questionnaire was used to collect data.
- Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS with a significance level of P < 0.05.
Main Results:
- Many parents demonstrated insufficient knowledge, with misconceptions such as epilepsy being curable (37.6%) or caused by demonic possession (25.85%).
- Convulsions (38.54%) and loss of consciousness (31.67%) were the most recognized symptoms, while awareness of treatment options like surgery was low (21.5%).
- While a majority believed children with epilepsy could succeed (64.2%), over half (51.9%) preferred to keep the diagnosis private. Fear during seizures (67%) and varied first-aid practices were also noted.
Conclusions:
- Parental knowledge and awareness of epilepsy are moderate, with persistent misconceptions and social stigma.
- Targeted educational programs are essential to correct misunderstandings and promote effective first-aid.
- Enhancing public awareness can improve epilepsy management and support for affected families.
Background:
Epilepsy (EP) is among the most common neurological disorders in children globally, with a notably high prevalence in Saudi Arabia, partly due to elevated consanguinity rates. Despite substantial research, limited data exist on parental knowledge, awareness, and practices (KAP) regarding childhood epilepsy in Riyadh. This study assessed parents' understanding and attitudes towards epilepsy.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 455 parents residing in Riyadh using a newly developed 27-item online questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance at P < 0.05.
Results:
Many parents lacked sufficient knowledge about epilepsy. About 37.6% believed epilepsy was curable, and 25.85% attributed it to possession by demons. Convulsions (38.54%) and loss of consciousness (31.67%) were the most recognized symptoms. Awareness of treatment options was low, with only 21.5% knowing about surgical interventions. While 64.2% of parents believed children with epilepsy could succeed academically and professionally, 51.9% preferred not to disclose the diagnosis to friends and family. Regarding practices, 62.6% had witnessed a seizure, but 67% reported fear when encountering one. First-aid responses varied: 31.7% prioritized removing the patient from danger, while 23.7% would call an ambulance.
Conclusion:
Parental knowledge and awareness remain moderate, with persistent misconceptions and social stigma. Targeted educational programs are urgently needed to correct misunderstandings, promote effective first-aid responses, and foster community support for children with epilepsy. Enhancing public awareness could significantly improve epilepsy management and outcomes for affected families.
