Potential for Increased Epilepsy Awareness: Impact of Health Education Program in Schools for Teachers and Children

Abstract

Background Epilepsy, although a common disorder, yet is highly stigmatized. Under this condition, children with epilepsy are more vulnerable to stigmatization, social isolation, lack of support, and psychological and emotional problems. Thus, there is an immediate need of literature focusing on intervention studies to change the attitudes of school teachers and children. Methods The study was conducted with the objectives to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) about epilepsy among school teachers and children; provide educational training program to teachers; and check the efficacy of training program imparted by teacher and trainer. Results Repeated measure of analysis of variance shows that knowledge (F = 1,134.875, p < 0.001), attitude (F = 2,429.909, p < 0.001), and practice (F = 2,205.122, p < 0.001) are significantly different between pre- and posttests indicated by Pillai's trace test. Similarly, from the Pillai's test, knowledge (F = 49.317, p < 0.001), attitude (F = 125.304, p < 0.001), and practice (F = 178.697, p < 0.001) are significantly different among teachers, trainer imparting training to children, and teachers imparting training to children. It is seen that KAP scores significantly differ between two time points and across the three groups. Among all the groups, teachers imparting training to children had high level of practice. Conclusion Inclusion of health education programs in the textbooks and health education schemes for teachers and school children are crucial ways to bring a change in their attitude, behavior, and practices toward epilepsy.