Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of School Teachers towards Epileptic School Students at District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

The present study was under taken at District Dir Lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan in order to know about the knowledge, attitude and practices of teachers towards epileptic students. This cross sectional study was carried out among teachers from both public and private sector schools (Primary, Middle and High). A self-administered closed ended KAP questionnaire was administered among 150 teachers (75 public and 75 private schools). Out of the total 134 (89.333%) teachers have heard concerning epilepsy. Overall 50 (33.333%) teachers thought epilepsy is contagious disorder while 77 (51.333%) teachers said that epileptics cannot succeed like normal students. According to 66 (44%) respondents, epileptics have delayed growth. Of the total subjects, 112 (74.666%) teachers responded positively regarding allowing and engaging epileptics in outdoor activities. Only 23 (15.333%) teachers replied that epileptics should be thought with other students while 127 (83%) suggested special schools for epileptics. A total of 83 (55.333%) teachers said social stigmata hamper epileptics' academic achievements while 65 (43.333%) thought the disease itself. Of all, 97 (64.666%) teachers were willing to help a seizing student, though only 19 (12.666%) teachers had pursued information regarding epilepsy. Of 150 recruited subjects, 32 (21.333%) were of the opinion that epilepsy is preventable while 36 (24%) thought epilepsy is curable. It was concluded that there is a lack of awareness among teachers regarding epilepsy, more specifically in private sector. Negative attitudes, misconceptions and myths also exist about epileptics among teachers in the study area. Mass awareness regarding epilepsy is recommended for improving life quality of this socially stigmatized class.