Knowledge about epilepsy among health professionals: a cross-sectional survey in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the epilepsy knowledge among health professionals in São Paulo, Brazil.DesignThis is a cross-sectional study.ParticipantsProfessionals with academic degrees in physical education (n=134), nutrition (n=116), medicine (n=100), psychology (n=53), nursing (n=122) and physiotherapy (n=99) who lived in São Paulo City, Brazil.Primary and secondary outcome measuresKnowledge of health professionals about epilepsy.MethodsProfessionals with academic degrees in physical education (n=134), nutrition (n=116), medicine (n=100), psychology (n=53), nursing (n=122) and physiotherapy (n=99) who lived in São Paulo City, Brazil, were invited to participate in the study. The subjects (n=624) answered a questionnaire composed of 25 simple closed-ended questions from three areas: personal, educational and knowledge.ResultsOut of all subjects, 88.5% (n=552) had a postgraduate education, while 11.5% (n=72) had only an undergraduate degree. The authors found that physical educators, nutritionists and physiotherapists received lower scores on their epilepsy knowledge than other health professionals.ConclusionsHealth professionals are considered better-educated group inside the society, especially with regards to healthcare issues. Thus, it is important they also have an accurate and correct knowledge about epilepsy. The findings of the present study indicate an imperative improvement in education about epilepsy, as well as an inclusion of formal programmes for epilepsy education especially for non-medical professionals. An improvement in epilepsy education might contribute to an improvement in epilepsy care and management.

Parental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards children with epilepsy in Belgrade (Serbia)

“…The knowledge, attitude, and behavior sections for this questionnaire were developed using previously published studies exploring parents', caregivers', teachers' and health professionals' knowledge and attitudes on the subject [18][19][20][21]. To check the understanding and interpretation of the translated items by the Serbian population, the questionnaire was tested on five parents of children with epilepsy.…”

The understanding of patients with epilepsy with regard to how their disease is managed: The role of health professionals

“…In particular, health professionals should be responsible for providing care/management to patients with different types of health intervention (prescription of diet and physical activity and emotional/psychological support), in routine medical consultations, and during emergencies. To this end, our research group has previously demonstrated that there is poor understanding of neurological diseases (including epilepsy) among health professionals [4][5][6][7]. In a survey by Vancini et al [5], nutritionists, physical educators, and physiotherapists received lower scores on their epilepsy knowledge test than other health professionals (medical doctors, psychologists, and nurses), demonstrating that improvement in education about epilepsy and inclusion of formal programs for epilepsy education, especially for nonmedical professionals, are needed.…”

“…To this end, our research group has previously demonstrated that there is poor understanding of neurological diseases (including epilepsy) among health professionals [4][5][6][7]. In a survey by Vancini et al [5], nutritionists, physical educators, and physiotherapists received lower scores on their epilepsy knowledge test than other health professionals (medical doctors, psychologists, and nurses), demonstrating that improvement in education about epilepsy and inclusion of formal programs for epilepsy education, especially for nonmedical professionals, are needed. We reported a lack of appropriate understanding by physical therapy educators about epilepsy (of 134 professionals evaluated, 57% did not have access to information about epilepsy, and only 13% understood that epilepsy is a cerebral chronic disease that can be cured or controlled) which could impact negatively on the management of physical activities and sport programs [4].…”

Low levels of maximal aerobic power impair the profile of mood state in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy

“…Given the positive contribution of physical activity towards epilepsy, it is reasonable to suggest that physical exercise intervention shows strong positive potential and may be used in an integrated approach in the complementary treatment of epilepsy 12 . In fact, efforts to promote knowledge about epilepsy and physical activity between health professionals are urgently needed to avoid prejudice in epilepsy treatment and to improve the quality of life and health status of epilepsy patients 30 . Since physical exercise can exert a positive impact on psychological state and seizure control 12 , it is desirable that health professionals should recommend and encourage physical exercise programs for people with epilepsy.…”