Perceptions of Epilepsy among School Teachers in Southern Nigeria (IN6-1.008)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the beliefs of teachers about possible etiologies, attitudes and knowledge of initial management of children with acute attack of epilepsy. BACKGROUND: Childhood epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder associated with profound psychosocial problems. Children with epilepsy are burdened by limitations it imposes on them such as psychological stress (especially when they have seizures in school), loss of school hours and possible effect of seizure itself on cognitive function. Lack of information and inappropriate beliefs are still factors that contribute to stigma and discrimination. DESIGN/METHODS: A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study of 158 school teachers from five randomly selected primary schools in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria. RESULTS: Of the 158 teachers, 81 (51.3%) believed epilepsy was contagious, 67(42.4%) believed it was due to evil spirit and punishment from God; 36(22.8%) attributed it to excessive exposure of the child to sunlight. Eighty eight teachers (55.7%) had a cumulative score of negative attitude towards epilepsy. One hundred and six teachers (67.1%) want all children with epilepsy in special schools, 58 (36.7%) felt children with epilepsy should be withdrawn from schools. Attitude was not statistically associated with sex and educational qualification. The teachers grading based on their overall knowledge score was: Good 13 (8%), Fair 63(40%) and Poor 82 (52%). Sixty six teachers (56%) said applying crude oil on the body was useful in stopping epileptic attacks, 23 (14.6%) said cow urine should be given to drink,44( 27.8%) felt the child should be held firmly to reduce convulsions. There was no significant association between knowledge score, year of experience as a teacher and management of epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of epilepsy amongst the primary school teachers and first-aid management of an epileptic attack is poor. The attitude of these teachers towards epilepsy is negative. Disclosure: Dr. Frank-Briggs has nothing to disclose.