Community knowledge of and attitudes toward epilepsy in rural and urban Mukono district, Uganda: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction Lack of adequate knowledge poses a barrier in the provision of appropriate treatment and care of epileptic patients within the community. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude of community dwellers to epilepsy and its treatment. Methods A cross section population survey was conducted in urban and rural Mukono, district, central Uganda. Adult respondents through multistage stratified sampling were interviewed about selected aspects of epilepsy knowledge, attitudes and perception using a pretested structured questionnaire. Results Ninety-one percent of the study respondents had heard or read about epilepsy or knew someone who had epilepsy and had seen someone having a seizure. Thirty seven percent of the respondents did not know the cause of epilepsy, while 29% cited genetic causes. About seventeen percent of the subjects believed that epilepsy is contagious. Only 5.6% (21/377) of respondents would take a patient with epilepsy to hospital for treatment. Conclusion Adults in Mukono are very acquainted with epilepsy but have many erroneous beliefs about the condition. Negative attitudes are pervasive within communities in Uganda. The National Epilepsy awareness programs need to clarify the purported modes of transmission of epilepsy, available treatment options and care offered during epileptic seizures during community sensitizations in our settings.

Epilepsy: what do Indian public living in Jammu know?

“…In contrast to these results, none of the respondents had learnt about epilepsy from health worker or medical doctors in a study by Kaddumukara M et al, from Uganda. 16 Despite good levels of awareness about the disease, there were misconceptions and myths also. 17 About manifestation of epilepsy, 45% of the respondents correctly identified convulsion as the presenting symptom in the present study.…”

“…In contrast, Kaddumukasa M et al, reported only 5.6% would take seizure patient to hospital and 6% would put an object between his teeth. 16 Pal VS et al, reported that more than one third of respondents would use shoe or splash water on face to terminate the seizure episode. 14 Among the limitations of the present study are its small sample size and its cross-sectional nature.…”

Gambaran Pengetahuan dan Perilaku Masyarakat Tentang Epilepsi di Kecamatan Kewapante, Kabupaten Sikka

“…2019 terhadap penyandang epilepsi dan keluarganya, serta mengurangi diskriminasi dan sigma terhadap penyandang epilepsi, dimana perilaku positif terhadap penyandang epilepsi dan keluarganya akan meningkatkan kualitas hidup penyandang epilepsi. 30,31 Simpulan Pengetahuan akan bentuk serangan epilepsi berupa kejang disertai berteriak, mulut berbusa, dan mata mendelik ke atas telah diketahui oleh seluruh responden, namun pengetahuan dan pemahaman lain akan penyakit epilepsi masih kurang, serta perilaku masyarakat Kecamatan Kewapante terhadap penyandang epilepsi masih beragam. Masih banyak masyarakat yang berperilaku buruk terhadap penyandang epilepsi dikarenakan kurangnya pengetahuan serta kepercayaan atau adat daerah.…”

Barriers to epilepsy care in central Uganda, a qualitative interview and focus group study involving PLWE and their caregivers

“…PLWE or their caregivers especially in resource limited settings lack the required information about their disease condition including the potential triggers and precipitants of seizures, role of treatment, role of supportive care and the associated anti-epileptic drugs adverse effects (21,22). This subsequently may lead to the development of negative attitudes and reduced expectations regarding epilepsy, (19,23,24). Lack of knowledge eventually influences decision-making with respect to AEDs adherence, provision of funds for out of pocket purchase of anti-epileptic drugs by the caretakers and subsequently control of seizures.…”