Evaluation of knowledge about epilepsy and attitudes towards patients with epilepsy among university students in Upper Egypt.

PURPOSE: Epilepsy is a major public health problem worldwide. There are many misconceptions about people's knowledge and attitudes about epilepsy, which influence people's behavior towards patients with epilepsy.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in Sohag University, a public Egyptian University, in Upper Egypt. We used an Arabic language designed questionnaire to assess people's knowledge about epilepsy and their attitudes towards patients with epilepsy. We included a total of 920 students in the study.

RESULTS: 12.4% of study respondents had never heard of or read about epilepsy. Moreover, there was much misunderstanding about the etiology of epilepsy, as 68.2% of epileptic and 74.5% of nonepileptic respondents believe epilepsy is caused by evil spirits and evil eyes or due to psychiatric disorders. There were also many people who held negative attitudes towards patients with epilepsy in regards to major life milestones such as marriage and having children. Among nonepileptics, 54.5% believe epileptics should not marry and 49.9% believe they should not have children. Among patients with epilepsy, these percentages are 27.3% and 36.4% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about epilepsy is insufficient and should be increased. The attitudes towards patients with epilepsy are negative and should be changed in Upper Egypt.