Knowledge, Beliefs and Misconceptions about Epilepsy and its Treatment in a Rural Community in South-Eastern Nigeria

ABSTRACT Background: Epilepsy is not only one of the oldest known neurological disorders but also one of the most prevalent chronic brain disorders worldwide. The social pathology associated with epilepsy drives people with epilepsy (PWE) and their families into the shadows and widens the epilepsy treatment gap. How much the social aspects of epilepsy and epilepsy care have changed in rural African communities in the globalized world is yet to be fully elucidated. Objectives: This study aims to determine the level of knowledge and attitude towards epilepsy and the people living with epilepsy (PWE) by adult inhabitants of a rural south-eastern Nigerian community. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional door-to-door population survey. Interview on select aspects of knowledge and attitude to epilepsy was conducted using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Three hundred and seven (90.3%) of the respondents reported awareness of epilepsy, 61(18%) had good knowledge of epilepsy but their attitude towards epilepsy was negative. The key source of information on epilepsy for 133 (43.3%) respondents was health workers, while 125 (40.7%) reported that epilepsy was a medical disease. Associations existed between the level of knowledge on epilepsy and gender (p=0.0023); marital status (p=0.0012) and educational attainment (p= 0.0476). Conclusion: Awareness of epilepsy though high among rural inhabitants yet a wide gap still exists regarding the knowledge and attitude toward epilepsy. It is hoped that with adequate culturally appropriate educational programs, channelled through the media and health workers in rural communities the existing gap in knowledge and treatment will be bridged