Evaluating the initial impact of the Riyadh Epilepsy Awareness Campaign

- The level of epilepsy awareness in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is low and needs improvement.
- 2118 subjects were given a questionnaire to answer before and after an awareness campaign in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- The results showed that the knowledge and awareness regarding epilepsy improved significantly after the campaign.
- Improving the awareness of the population is essential in reducing the negative attitude towards persons with epilepsy.

ObjectiveWe determine the impact of an educational awareness campaign on the level of knowledge and the attitude of the Saudi population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in an attempt to improve the awareness and reduce the social stigma associated with epilepsy.MethodsThe Saudi Epilepsy Society organized a citywide awareness campaign in 2013. A survey consisting of 11 questions pertaining to epilepsy awareness was distributed to Saudi citizens living in Riyadh, aged 15 years and above, in malls, health clubs, mosques, universities, and schools during that campaign. The same questionnaire was administered before and after the awareness campaign to the same individuals on the same day to assess the impact of the campaign (n = 2118).ResultsThe epilepsy awareness campaign significantly raised the general knowledge about epilepsy: 1519 before vs. 1944 after (P < 0.001) would allow their children to interact with an individual who had epilepsy; 1567 before vs. 688 after (P < 0.001) would not want their children to marry an individual with epilepsy. Eight hundred twenty six before vs. 47 after (P < 0.001) thought that epilepsy is untreatable. Regarding the causes of epilepsy, 1663 before vs. 896 after (P < 0.001) believed that epilepsy is caused by supernatural powers, and 1224 before vs. 1874 after (P < 0.001) chose brain disease as a cause of epilepsy.ConclusionThese findings suggest that epilepsy awareness campaigns can close knowledge gaps. A long-term reevaluation may be needed to assess awareness sustainability.