Knowledge, attitude and practice of epilepsy among persons attending tertiary care hospital of Bundelkhand region, Central India

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted to find out knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) of epilepsy among persons of bundelkhand region. Secondary data from this study was compared with KAP studies from other parts of country. Material and Methods: Four hundred non epileptic persons attending various OPDs of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical college Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh were selected randomly. Printed questionnaire having answer yes or no were used for assessment of KAP. This questionnaire was used by various authors and validated for KAP analysis. Results: It was revealed that word epilepsy was heard by 94% of persons, 64% thought that epilepsy is a mental illness. Twenty three percent believe it to be contagious disease while 21% attribute it to previous life sin. Social discrimination was favored by 53% persons. Negative attitude is shown as more than half persons stated that epilepsy is hindrance to marriage and occupation. Holy treatment by tantric or priest was favored by 20% persons. More than one third persons use onion, shoe or splash water on face to terminate seizure episode. Conclusion: Study on persons of Bundelkhand revealed poor KAP for epilepsy and require special educational programme to remove these misconception