R. K. Sureka1, Amit Agarwal2, Surbhi Chaturvedi3, Kuldeep Singh Yadav4, Sandeep Kumar5
To quantify knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) toward epilepsy among Nursing students and faculties In India. METHODS: All participants completed the self-administered questionnaire after signing the consent to participate in the study. The questionnaire presented to the participants had questions related to knowledge on etiology and treatment, attitude in dealing with persons with epilepsy and familiarity with various forms of treatment and management. Possible differences in answers were analyzed among both the groups. RESULTS: Nursing GNM students (20%) had never heard about epilepsy. >55% of B.sc students in comparison to nursing faculty (approx. 15%) believed that epilepsy is a mental illness. Majority (60%) of the members of both the groups considered epilepsy as hindrance in life. Majority of the individual think that epilepsy is curable. 100% of the faculty had opinion that epilepsy can be treated with Allopathic medicine. CONCLUSION: Despite a great degree of awareness about epilepsy among students and teachers in India negative and wrong attitudes still exist. The present day education, therefore, does not seem to influence the prejudices against persons with epilepsy. Requirement of special education programme for teachers and students is felt to dispel myths and misconceptions about epilepsy.
