Parental Knowledge and Perceptions of the First Episode of Seizure in Children: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Seizures in children are distressing events for caregivers, particularly when occurring for the first time. Parental knowledge and perceptions significantly influence the timeliness of medical intervention, pre-hospital management, and clinical outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to assess parental knowledge and perceptions regarding their child’s first seizure episode, identify gaps in understanding, and explore factors associated with misconceptions and delays in seeking medical care. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents of children presenting to the emergency department with a first-time seizure. Results: Among 100 respondents, 74% correctly identified seizure symptoms. However, none reported performing appropriate pre-hospital interventions or demonstrated knowledge of seizure-specific first-aid measures. Additionally, higher parental education was significantly associated with better knowledge scores (P < .05). Conclusion: This study reveals gaps in parental knowledge and a high prevalence of misconceptions related to pediatric seizures. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to improve caregiver responses and enhance care.