Knowledge, beliefs on epilepsy and practice on epilepsy first aid management among students of Bangladesh Health Professional Institute, CRP

Abstract

Introduction and background: A chronic non-communicable disease of brain characterized by recurrent seizure. More than fifty million people in the worldwide are suffering from epilepsy, it is one of the most common neurological diseases globally. In Bangladesh itself nearly 1.5 to 2 million people are suffering from. Sometime epilepsy may result in significant disability, hence high knowledge, practice and positive attitude are mostly needed by rehabilitation professional. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to assess knowledge, belief and practice on epilepsy and to assess the influence of sociodemographic variables on knowledge, beliefs and practice score. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional study was performed involving 236 participants from Bangladesh Health Profession Institute. Knowledge, belief and practice (KBP) binary questionnaire including 8 question on knowledge, 12 question on belief and 3 question on practice was used to collect data from participants. The influence of age, gender, religion, faculty, person knowing someone with epilepsy versus not knowing etc. were assessed using t-test, Pearson’s correlation, ANOVA appropriately when needed. Result: 84% participants have heard/read about epilepsy and 38% participants personally knew someone with epilepsy. 81% participant had positive belief that people with epilepsy can be employed.93% participant thought epilepsy need long term treatment. 87% participant said they will take people getting epileptic seizure directly to hospital. The knowledge level of participants regarding epilepsy was not satisfactory. And first aid practice for epileptic seizure was not appropriate. The socio-demographic variables such as age of students, family with history of epilepsy, neighbor’s history of epilepsy and academic year of students had influence on knowledge score about epilepsy. The socio-demographic variables such as gender of students and family with history of epilepsy had influence on belief score about epilepsy. The socio-demographic variable: family with history of epilepsy, area of residence had influence on practice of epilepsy first aid. Conclusion: 0verall knowledge, beliefs and practice of rehabilitation profession students to be non satisfactory suggesting the need of further awareness program and changes in educational intervention and first aid training regarding epilepsy among students. Key words: Knowledge, Belief, practice, First Aid, Epilepsy, Seizure Page 1 of 79 CHAPTER