Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy and Knowledge on Seizure First Aid

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the research was to assess the attitudes of the public toward epilepsy and their level of knowledge in first aid. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2021 and January 2022, with 1102 individuals who applied to outpatient clinics in a hospital located in the city center of Erzincan (a province located in the eastern Turkey) and agreed to participate in the study. Research data were collected using a Socio-demographic Variables Questionnaire and Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy Scale. Number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Bonferroni test, and Tukey test were used to evaluate the data. Results: The mean total score of the participants on the Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy scale was 55.28 ± 9.81. When asked about the seizure first-aid interventions to be applied for an epileptic patient, 61.9% of the participants responded that they would hold the legs and arms for restricting the patient’s movements and try to open the clenched hands and jaws, whereas 57.6% said that they would apply artificial respiration or cardiac massage. Conclusion: Majority of the individuals participating in the study were found to have exhibited negative attitudes toward epilepsy (55.28 ± 9.81), and these individuals were found to refer to incorrect interventions that would rather deteriorate the current status of the patient for first-aid purposes. In order to protect and improve health, it can be suggested to increase the awareness of the society on first-aid practices for epilepsy.