Teachers and Epilepsy in Saudi Arabia: Gaps in Knowledge and Potential Roles

Abstract

In young children, epilepsy, a disorder marked by recurring seizures, is frequent. Schoolteachers play an important role in the development of young children and hence have a big impact on their psychosocial development. This study was carried out to examine the available data from Saudi Arabia in order to better understand the knowledge gap among Saudi instructors. Although schoolteachers’ knowledge in Saudi Arabia has improved over time, such that they now have significant knowledge that can affect student performance, social skill development, future endeavors, and life quality, a significant percentage still believes that epilepsy is linked to psychiatric illness. Few teachers have obtained first-aid training in the area of seizure treatment. It is consequently vital to improve instructors’ knowledge of seizure first aid. Teachers’ understanding and attitudes concerning epilepsy could be improved by health education. Schoolteachers should get focused and guided health education to improve their knowledge of epilepsy and change their attitudes.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Epilepsy and Seizure First Aid Among Male Teachers in Mecca Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In contrast, teachers in Riyadh and Khamis Mushait were found to have a high understanding of epilepsy [ 15 , 16 ]. Internationally, teachers' degree of epilepsy knowledge was poor in Kuwait, China, and Italy [ 17 - 19 ]. Although the level of knowledge is insufficient, the understanding and awareness of the etiology of epilepsy have experienced a significant change throughout time.…”

“…Although the level of knowledge is insufficient, the understanding and awareness of the etiology of epilepsy have experienced a significant change throughout time. Most recent studies have revealed that most teachers believe epilepsy is a neurological disorder [ 19 ]. Consistent with the literature, the current study found that around 86% of teachers agreed that epilepsy is a neurological disease.…”

“…Due to the risk of seizures happening at school, teachers have a crucial role in providing appropriate first aid. They also significantly contribute to controlling the other kids and reducing the terrifying scene [ 19 ]. During an epileptic seizure, the provider should time the attack and keep the patient in a safe position [ 19 ].…”

“…They also significantly contribute to controlling the other kids and reducing the terrifying scene [ 19 ]. During an epileptic seizure, the provider should time the attack and keep the patient in a safe position [ 19 ]. Once the attack is over, they should place the patient in a recovery position and observe the level of consciousness [ 19 ].…”

“…During an epileptic seizure, the provider should time the attack and keep the patient in a safe position [ 19 ]. Once the attack is over, they should place the patient in a recovery position and observe the level of consciousness [ 19 ]. Unless the seizure is prolonged or the patient has recurring seizure attacks without recovering consciousness, the patient does not need to be hospitalized [ 19 ].…”