Perceptions of teachers regarding the inclusion of epilepsy education in life skills for primary learners and teachers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces (South Africa)

Abstract

Background. Epilepsy is a frequent neurological condition with complicated effects, and it is characterized by seizures that can last quite a long time. It is important that people around treat epilepsy patients with understanding and be able to help them during seizures.Objective: to determine the perceptions of teachers regarding epilepsy education being included in life skills education considering that teachers spend a great deal of time with school students.Material and methods. The study employed an exploratory-descriptive design to explore primary school teachers' perceptions regarding the need to include epilepsy in life skills education. It was conducted in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces in South Africa. Data were collected from 20 primary school teachers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga using semi-structured interviews. Only primary school teachers who teach life skills were interviewed to reach data saturation.Results. The respondents revealed their knowledge that epilepsy is a disease associated with falling, shivering movements/ seizures, releasing saliva in a bubble foam, and being unconscious. However, they showed insufficient understanding regarding some aspects and expressed the opinion that there is a need of including epilepsy in life skills education, because it will assist the learners and teachers in knowing more about epilepsy. The participants consider that since epileptic seizure is an unpredictable condition that can happen to anyone, at any time, they feel it is important that learners and teachers are educated about it. For this purpose, they suggested various teaching methods and the necessary areas of knowledge about epilepsy.Conclusion. The findings of the study revealed that the inclusion of epilepsy in life skills education will enhance the knowledge and understanding of epilepsy through learning the aspects that have been suggested by the participants.

Incorporation of Epilepsy into Life Skills Education: Perceptions of Primary School Learners in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province—A Qualitative Exploratory Study

“…The other issues that emerged from this study were protecting the self and others (i.e., prevention of epilepsy), learning how to accept others with epilepsy, and feeling confident to help others. These sub-themes are consistent with previous studies that suggest that education on epilepsy can empower individuals, promote awareness, understanding, and acceptance of epilepsy in society, and improve attitudes towards people with epilepsy [ 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”

“…Specifically, the participants recommended visual learning, kinesthetic learning, learning through practical demonstrations, and repetitive learning as the most effective teaching methods to be employed in life skills education when teaching on epilepsy. These recommendations align with previous research studies, which suggest that incorporating diverse learning styles into teaching can improve learning and retention [ 28 , 31 ]. The use of visual aids and practical demonstrations can assist learners in comprehending and recollecting information, and kinesthetic learning can facilitate learners’ ability to apply their knowledge in real-life scenarios.…”

“…Similarly, O’Neill et al [ 27 ] illustrated that being educated about onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy might reduce stigma and discrimination. It has been revealed that when learners are taught about epilepsy, this will help them to know the causes and treatment of the condition, as well as ways to help others with epilepsy; students learn how to accept others with epilepsy instead of discriminating against them [ 28 ]. Makhado et al [ 28 ] further stated that when learners are knowledgeable about epilepsy, they will even assist others at home, leaving the whole community knowledgeable about epilepsy, which therefore decreases stigma related to epilepsy.…”

“…It has been revealed that when learners are taught about epilepsy, this will help them to know the causes and treatment of the condition, as well as ways to help others with epilepsy; students learn how to accept others with epilepsy instead of discriminating against them [ 28 ]. Makhado et al [ 28 ] further stated that when learners are knowledgeable about epilepsy, they will even assist others at home, leaving the whole community knowledgeable about epilepsy, which therefore decreases stigma related to epilepsy. The other issues that emerged from this study were protecting the self and others (i.e., prevention of epilepsy), learning how to accept others with epilepsy, and feeling confident to help others.…”

Epilepsy Care in Latin America and the Caribbean: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

“…Previous studies indicate that many traditional healers are open to collaborating with health care professionals and are willing to make referrals to health facilities. 40 Such collaborations have proven feasible and beneficial in improving the patients' management and quality of life, as observed in LAC countries with partnerships between mental health practitioners, midwives, Mapuche staff members, indigenous associations, and Western physicians in Suriname, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, and Guatemala. 41 These partnerships allow for the exchange of knowledge and integration of different treatment options, increase trust among community members in the health care system, and can lead to more a culturally appropriate approach to epilepsy in LAC countries.…”