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Epilepsy Knowledge, Attitudes, and First-Aid Practices Among Syrian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Ahmad Al Darra1, Fares Kahal1, Saeed Kadri1
1Faculty of Medicine Syrian Private University Damascus Syria.
Health Science Reports
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Syrian university students demonstrate moderate epilepsy knowledge but hold misconceptions and unsafe first-aid practices. Education and training are crucial to reduce stigma and improve support for individuals with epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Social Science
Background:
- Epilepsy impacts 50 million globally, often accompanied by stigma and social exclusion.
- In Syria, epilepsy awareness among university students is under-researched, despite their future roles.
- This study addresses the gap in understanding epilepsy knowledge, attitudes, and practices in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess epilepsy knowledge, attitudes, and first-aid practices among Syrian university students.
- To identify factors associated with these knowledge, attitude, and practice levels.
- To inform targeted interventions for epilepsy awareness in Syria.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1005 students from 24 Syrian universities.
- Utilized a structured questionnaire assessing demographics, epilepsy knowledge, first aid, and attitudes.
- Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression (p < 0.05).
Main Results:
- 59% of students had high epilepsy knowledge, yet misconceptions were prevalent.
- 63% demonstrated good first-aid knowledge, but unsafe practices were common.
- Attitudes were mixed; 56% were positive, but reluctance towards close relationships indicated potential social isolation and discrimination.
Conclusions:
- Syrian university students exhibit moderate epilepsy knowledge, persistent stigma, and unsafe practices.
- Targeted educational programs and first-aid training are essential.
- Interventions should aim to reduce misconceptions and enhance support for people with epilepsy.
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Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
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