KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF EPILEPTIC PATIENTS TOWARDS THEIR ILLNESS AND TREATMENT IN AMANEUL MENTAL SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL EPILEPTIC CLINIC

Abstract

SUMMARY Background Epilepsy is a major public health problem and especially in a developing country like Ethiopia it incidence is much higher. It’s the most common serious brain disorder. In this countries knowledge towards these illness is usually thought to be from supernatural happenings and patients are subjected to social discrimination and prejudice. Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of epileptic patients towards their illness and treatment in Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital. Methods A descriptive cross sectional hospital based study was conducted among patients with epilepsy follow up at epilepsy clinic from April-May 2018. Data was collected based on interviewer administered questionnaire. And data entered into a computer and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 statistical software. Frequency tables, graphs, diagrams and charts being used. Results A total of 338 epileptic patients, on follow up clinic at AMSH, were interviewed out. Among them 171(50.6%) were females and 166(49.1%) were males. The minimum age of the participants is 18 and maximum 55. A total of 62.2% and 70% of the respondents have knowledge about the cause and treatment of epilepsy, respectively. And 44.4% of the patients had positive attitude towards their illness and 61.8% of the respondents suggested correct positioning of patients during seizure to prevent aspiration and majority of the patients said they seek treatment from a medical doctor. Conclusion The study has showed majority of the patients had fair knowledge regarding their illness and better practice as they know what first aid measure should be undertaken for a seizing patient and they seek medical help. Most of the respondents had negative attitude towards their illness. Key words Epilepsy, Knowledge; Practice; Attitude; Seizure