EPILEPSY

Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder affecting millions globally, remains heavily stigmatized in
many societies, including Nigeria. Cultural misconceptions often associate epilepsy with supernatural
causes, significantly affecting the social integration and quality of life of those affected. Nurses, as
frontline healthcare providers, play a pivotal role in shaping public attitudes and delivering informed
care. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students at the University of
Benin toward epileptic patients and examine the implications for patients' social well-being. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. A total of 281 nursing students across 200 to 500 levels were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data was collected using a structured, self administered questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of social impact. Results revealed that while a majority of students demonstrated good understanding of epilepsy as a brain disorder and expressed willingness to assist during seizures, gaps persisted in symptom recognition, treatment beliefs, and misconceptions about heredity and contagion. Attitudinal responses were mixed: most students supported inclusion and respect for epileptic patients, but hesitations were observed in sensitive areas like marriage and personal interaction. Notably, participants agreed that epilepsy impedes social experiences such as employment, education, and relationships. The study concludes that although nursing students exhibit moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes, pockets of misinformation and stigma remain. It is recommended that nursing curricula integrate targeted modules on epilepsy, combining theory with practical exposure, to reinforce accurate knowledge and empathetic patient care. Enhancing education and advocacy through formal training will better equip future nurses to support social inclusion and reduce stigma against people living with epilepsy

Background/Aim of study: Epilepsy remains a stigmatized disease due to lack of information and illiteracy has been blamed as the cause of the stigmatization. This stigmatization stems from the fact that the traditional African belief views epilepsy as a spiritual disease. There had been studies to assess the Knowledge, attitude, and perception towards epilepsy. However, there is limited research on the knowledge, attitude and perception of undergraduates of the University of Benin towards epilepsy. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude of Undergraduates of University of Benin towards Epilepsy. Methods: This cross sectional study recruited 398 participants via purposive sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data from the participants. The data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics. Mann- Whitney and spearman correlation tests was used to assess the variables. The alpha level was at 0.05. Results: The findings revealed 68.9% of the respondents had good knowledge of epilepsy, 250(71.4%) of the respondents had positive attitude towards epilepsy and patients with epilepsy. A positive significant correlation between the knowledge and the attitude (rho=0.310, p=<0.001), a positive significant correlation between the knowledge and the age of the respondents (rho=0.355, p=<0.001*). There was also a positive significant correlation between the knowledge and the level of the respondents (rho=0.896 p=<0.001*). Conclusion: The good knowledge of epilepsy demonstrated by the respondents has translated to a positive attitude towards patients with epilepsy. The finding may have reported good knowledge and positive attitudes among the respondents, however, there is still an obvious need for an improvement in knowledge and attitude among the respondents. Further studies are misconception