Knowledge, attitude and practice of epilepsy among patients and family members attending urban health and training centre, Shahganj, Aurangabad, India

Aims And Objective: To study knowledge, attitude and practice of epilepsy among patients and family members residing in urban slum.METHODOLGY: Study Design- Hospital based cross-sectional study. Study Place- UHTC, Shahganj, Aurangabad. Study Period- 1st to 29th Feb 2012(one month). Sample-KAP study was conducted by face to face interview of 100 persons including patients and family members of epilepsy using a predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Results: A large majority (95%) of PWE had heard about epilepsy and (53%) knew that epilepsy is an organic brain problem. Only 4% consider epilepsy as contagious. Negative attitude was observed with respect to not allowing a child with epilepsy to study in only (18%), objecting children to play with a child with epilepsy (12%), and unsuccessful marriage (19%) Negative attitude was reflected in the belief that epilepsy is due previous life sins (5%) About 73% people believed that allopath is a better option than ayurvedic (25%).A very small proportion, i.e. only 2% believed that holy treatment with worship is effective to treatment of epilepsy. About 40% felt that epilepsy can be cured, but almost 60% thought that a person with epilepsy has to take lifelong treatment. In response to first aid measures in response to epileptic fits, 60% preferred that they would take the person to a hospital, 23% felt that they would put a shoe or onion on nose, 15% would splash water over the face, and 2% would make the person hold a bunch of keys. Discussion. Analysis of Indian data revealed regional differences in KAP which could be attributed to local factors, such as literacy, awareness about epilepsy, and practice of different systems of medicine. Some of the differences can also be attributed to category of study population whether it included patients or non epilepsy individuals, since the former are likely to have less negative attitudes than the public. There is a need to create awareness about epilepsy on a nation-wide basis to dispel the misconceptions and stigma through effective and robust programs with the aim to lessen the disease burden