Effect of Health Education on Knowledge and Attitude of Parents towards Paediatric Epilepsy in Egyptian Children

Abstract

Abstract Background Epilepsy remains one of the most common neurological diseases in the world but seems to be widely misunderstood, especially in low-income countries. Patients with epilepsy can face considerable stigma in society, Parents’ knowledge on care of children greatly influences the health status of a child by reducing the mortality and morbidity rate. Aim of the Work Assess the attitude and knowledge toward paediatric epilepsy amongst parents of paediatric patients with epilepsy and other parents seeking advice in the out-patient clinic, Assess the effect of educational program of home management of seizures on knowledge and practice of parents. Patients and Methods This comparative cross-sectional study included 100 parents of children with epilepsy who follow up in Paediatric neurology clinic, Ain Shams University (Group A) and 300 parents of normal children who sought advice in Paediatric outpatient clinic, Ain Shams University (Group B) in which sociodemographic characteristics were collected and a validated questionnaire was distributed before and after an educational session about epilepsy facts and its first aid. Results The study revealed significant difference between study and control groups in their baseline knowledge about epilepsy, in terms of “epilepsy being an organic disease, rather than a psychiatric illness or an evil spirit” (67.0% vs. 39.8%, P < 0.001) respectively, and management of a child experiencing a seizure where 6% of group A answered “do not know” vs 74.6% of group B, P < 0.001). Regarding attitude towards epilepsy, both groups showed negative attitude towards epilepsy; 78% of group A and 66% of group B agreed that epilepsy is a factor that strongly impair child learning. Similarly, 81% of group A and 65% of group B reported that epilepsy can strongly limit sports and leisure activities. In terms of effect of educational effect, group A showed significant difference in number of correct answers regarding manifestation and first aid measures for a child with seizure before and after education (12% vs 51% P < 0.001 & 45% vs 75% P = 0.009) respectively. Moreover, group B showed significant difference in correct answers for both topics after education (0% vs. 49.2 % P, 0.001 & 0% vs 71.2% P < 0.001). Conclusion Our results highlight the need for educational programs and targeted awareness campaigns, to reduce misconceptions and promote a more supportive environment for individuals with epilepsy.