KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND BELIEFS ABOUT EPILEPSY AMONG ADULTS IN A NORTHERN NIGERIAN URBAN COMMUNITY

Abstract

Background: This study was designed to examine the knowledge,
\nattitude and beliefs about causes, manifestations and treatment of
\nepilepsy among adults in a northern Nigerian urban community. Methods:
\n A cross sectional study design was used. A pre-tested, semi-structured
\nquestionnaire was administered to 200 adults residing in Gyadi Gyadi
\nquarters of Kano metropolis, northern Nigeria.\tResults: Majority of
\nthe respondents (39.0%) mentioned that epilepsy is manifested by
\nconvulsions. Other manifestations of the disorder proffered by the
\nrespondents included falling down (36.0%), rolling of eyes (11.3%) and
\nfoaming of mouth (10.3%). Up to 25.2% of respondents did not know the
\ncause of epilepsy. Heredity was identified as a cause of the disorder
\nby (19.9 %), followed by brain injury (19.2%), possession by evil
\nspirits (16.3%) and brain infection (11.7%). Overall (n=52, 26%) of the
\nrespondents had good knowledge of epilepsy whereas (n=62, 31%) and
\n(n=86, 43%) had fair and poor knowledge of the disease respectively.
\nMajority of respondents (47.0%) opted for spiritual healing. This was
\nfollowed by orthodox medical care (34.0%) and the use of traditional
\nherbal medicines (19.0%). Majority of respondents harboured positive
\nattitudes such as tolerance, kindness and sympathy towards epileptics.
\nLiterate respondents were more likely to exhibit positive feelings
\ntowards epileptics when compared to non-literate subjects (χ2 =
\n31.5 df = 1 P< 0.001). Conclusions: The low level of knowledge and
\nmisconceptions demonstrates the need for community educational
\nprogrammes aimed at demystifying epilepsy with a view to allaying fears
\nand mistrust about the disease as well as lessen stigmatization toward
\nepileptics.