Knowledge, Attitude And Perception Of Epilepsy Among Traditional Healers In Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

The poor knowledge of epilepsy among traditional healers is due to cultural prejudices and environment. The resultant deep-rooted misconceptions and myths negatively affect the attitudes and encourage traditional care with high morbidity and mortality. The objectives of the study were to assess knowledge of epilepsy among traditional healers and to determine the modalities used in the care. One hundred and seventy three traditional healers from villages/communities in Uyo were assessed for knowledge; attitude and perception of epilepsy, using an interviewer assisted Attitude Questionnaire. Data from 166 (95.9%) healers, consisting of 123 (71.1%) males and 43 (24.8%) females were analyzed. Many of the healers, 139 (83.7%) had little or no formal education. Knowledge about causes, diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy was poor; 74 (44.6%) attributed the cause of epilepsy to witchcraft, 53 (31.9%) to spiritual attacks, 23 (13.9%) punishment for sins. A total of 121 (72%) of them diagnosed epilepsy through oracles/gods. Majority, 161 (97.0%) of the healers preferred native treatment; 54 (32.5%) appeased gods/ancestors, 47 (28.3%) used herbs, roots/animal residues as cure, 10 (6.0%) preferred spiritual/prayers; while 48 (28.9%) used a combination of the rituals. There were prevalent negative attitudes and perception about epilepsy among the healers, as 146 (88.0%) of them viewed it as contagious; 149 (89.8%) would decline either marrying or eating with epileptic persons. Although traditional healers are frequently involved in the care of epilepsy in our environment, they have little or no scientific knowledge about the condition. Adequate knowledge about epilepsy is essential for diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, there is need to improve the knowledge about epilepsy in order to encourage positive attitudes and care.

Perceived causes and management of epilepsy among rural community dwellers in Ghana: a qualitative synthesis

“…The findings from this study seem to reinforce this misconception about the cause of epilepsy. This finding is similar to Abasiubong et al's study, which revealed that in the olden days when people had no knowledge or understanding of biomedical science, epilepsy was attributed to a spiritual or religious affliction ( 14 ). Even though there is advancement in biomedical science at this present time, people still have ancient beliefs about epilepsy as the manifestation of an evil spirit in the victim.…”

“…Essentially, epilepsy is considered a means of compelling people to adhere to moral standards. Evidence from a study by Abasiubong et al ( 14 ) justifies the findings of this current study. Their study showed that 14% of the population attributed the cause of epilepsy to punishment for sins ( 14 ).…”

“…Studies have revealed that what people perceive most to be the cause of epilepsy among rural dwellers is witchcraft. In research led by Abasiubong et al regarding how traditional healers perceive the causes of epilepsy, witchcraft stood out as the prevailing factor ( 14 ). In the present study, the community members' perception of the cause of epilepsy aligns with that of the aforementioned study.…”

Teachers′ knowledge and attitudes towards seizure disorder: A comparative study of urban and rural school teachers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

“…It has been linked to witchcraft, spiritual attacks, and punishment for sins by traditional healers and even university students. [8,9] There is also the belief that seizure disorder is contagious, and one can get infected by contact with the saliva from the mouth of the patients during seizure attacks. [10] These beliefs expose the child with seizure disorder to danger during a seizure episode, as they are likely to be left unattended to by both the teachers and their schoolmates for fear of getting the condition.…”

Positioning Mbeya University of Science and Technology in Tanzania in the Systems of Innovation Perspective

“…Several studies that have involved the knowledge, attitude and perception of various issues have been conducted worldwide (Abasiubong et al, 2009;Adediwura & Tayo, 2007;Anjum et al, 2008;Erhum et al, 2008;Tjakraatmadja et al, 2008). For instance, in India the knowledge, perception, attitude of adolescent girls towards STIs/HIV and safer sex education were done and indicated the need to implement gender-based sex education (McManus & Dhar, 2008).…”