Association between knowledge and attitudes of educators towards epilepsy and the risk of accidents in Greek schools

Accidents in children with epilepsy are an actual concern of teachers and parents in Greece and internationally. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the knowledge and attitudes of teachers and the frequency of accidents caused by epilepsy in Greece. The study surveyed 1404 public elementary school teachers from all prefectures of the country by an anonymous questionnaire. Results showed that teachers cannot always recognize the manifestations of an epileptic seizure or an injury caused by it, making it difficult for them to report such incidents, and, sometimes, they use wrong or even dangerous manipulations during seizures. Furthermore, the knowledge and attitudes of teachers were associated with the occurrence of accidents. It is, therefore, of major importance that the responsible authorities provide teachers with appropriate guidelines to respond to such incidents, especially in schools where a school nurse is not present.

► Improvement of knowledge and attitudes of teachers remains a challenge. ► Knowledge and attitudes of teachers were associated with the number of accidents. ► Level of knowledge of teachers was associated with the presence of a school nurse. ► Educators consider the presence of a school nurse as necessary. ► More educational programs in Greek schools are needed regarding emergencies.