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. 2016:2016:5138952.
doi: 10.1155/2016/5138952. Epub 2016 Jun 15.

Knowledge about Epilepsy and Attitudes toward Students with Epilepsy among Middle and High School Teachers in Kuwait

Eman Al-Hashemi  1 , Abdullatif Ashkanani  2 , Haneen Al-Qattan  2 , Asmaa Mahmoud  1 , Majd Al-Kabbani  1 , Abdulaziz Al-Juhaidli  3 , Ahmad Jaafar  4 , Zahraa Al-Hashemi  5
Affiliations

Knowledge about Epilepsy and Attitudes toward Students with Epilepsy among Middle and High School Teachers in Kuwait

Eman Al-Hashemi et al. Int J Pediatr. 2016.

Abstract

Background and Objectives. Attitudes toward students with epilepsy and epilepsy-related knowledge of teachers are crucial for child's safety in the school. The aim of this study was to evaluate teachers' knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 824 teachers from 24 randomly selected middle and high schools. Scale of Attitudes Toward Persons with Epilepsy (ATPE) was modified to assess teachers' knowledge about epilepsy and attitudes toward students with epilepsy. Results. Median knowledge score about epilepsy was 5 (out of 13), while median attitude score was 10 (out of 15). Both knowledge and attitude median scores were significantly higher in senior teachers with longer teaching experience and in respondents who dealt with a person with epilepsy. There was significant association between knowledge score and attitude score (p < 0.01). Logistic regression showed that significant variables, independently associated with poor knowledge after adjusting for possible confounders, were not having a family member with epilepsy (p = 0.009), unawareness of life circumstances of persons with epilepsy (p = 0.048), and a poor attitude score (p < 0.001). Conclusion. School teachers in Kuwait have relatively poor knowledge about epilepsy but have positive attitudes toward students with epilepsy. A number of historical and stigmatizing ideas about epilepsy still exist. It is recommended to provide teachers with information about handling seizures in the educational setting through development and implementation of epilepsy education programs.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Subjects taught by teachers (percentages may not add to 100% since a teacher may have more than one subject).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Number of persons with epilepsy ever dealt with.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Sources of teachers' information for their knowledge about epilepsy (percentages may not add to 100% since a teacher may have more than one source).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Causes of epilepsy as were reported by teachers (percentages may not add to 100% since a teacher may choose more than one cause).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Methods of treatment for epilepsy (percentages may not add to 100% since a teacher may choose more than one treatment).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Frequency distribution of knowledge score of teachers about epilepsy.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Frequency distribution of attitude score of teachers toward epilepsy.
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