Knowledge, attitude and practice with respect to epilepsy among school teachers in Assiut city, Egypt

SummaryObjectiveThis study was designed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice with respect to epilepsy among secondary school teachers in Assiut city, Egypt.MethodsA cross sectional study was applied among secondary schools in Assiut city, Egypt. A 12-item questionnaire was self administered to 189 teachers, who selected randomly.ResultsAll teachers had heard about epilepsy. 54% of teachers deal with students with epilepsy as normal students. About one quarter (23.8%) of teachers accepted to give student with fit in the class first aid measures and 12.7% accepted to give the student, who was having a seizure in the class any form of prescribed treatment. Positive attitudes were common among females and single teachers.ConclusionThe current study suggests that, a well directed health educational program about causes and management of epileptic seizures may improve the perception of epilepsy by teachers in Egypt. Teacher-targeted interventions aimed at reducing epilepsy-associated stigma and its sequel in Egyptian students.