| Abstrakt: |
There are several conflicting beliefs about epilepsy and public awareness about epilepsy that vary widely among the caregivers. The aim: was to assess awareness and attitude about epilepsy among epileptic caregivers in Najran region. Design: This cross-sectional, descriptive, community-based study Subject and setting: purposive sample was used to include 604 care givers of epileptic patients. Data Collection methods: socio-demographic questionnaire, epileptic knowledge questionnaire and attitude scale regarding epilepsy. Results: the current study revealed that 47.9% had satisfactory awareness while 61.2% had a positive attitude toward epilepsy. The main source of information was social media followed by T.V. There was also a statistical association between age, educational levels and occupation with the awareness level of epilepsy. There was significant positive correlation between total score of awareness and the total score of attitude where R .68 &P 0.0001. Conclusion: the current study revealed that the level of awareness was relatively low among the studied sample while about two thirds of them had positive attitude regarding epilepsy. The attitude score was influenced by age, educational level, occupation and the awareness. Recommendations: Public health education programs about epilepsy and modify misconceptions and to promote positive attitudes must be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
