Knowledge, attitude and practices of Saudi population in Arar regarding epilepsy and seizures

Background: Persons with epilepsy remain to agonize from stigma expressed or professed based on myths, fallacies, and confusions that have persevered for countless years. Objectives: To study awareness and knowledge of the population about epilepsy and seizures and to study the attitude and practice of population towards treatment of epilepsy and seizures in KSA. Methods: A cross sectional Hospital based study design was adopted. The study was carried out in Arar, KSA, during the period from April 1st to July 31st 2021. Results: In our study, 47.1% of participants think temporary confusion is a symptom of epilepsy, 59.2% staring spell, 72.3% jerking and jerking movements, and 85.8% loss of consciousness. Regarding cause of epilepsy, only 68.1% of participants in our study think that genetics and family history have role in developing epilepsy, 75.3% head trauma, 76.9% brain diseases, 21.4% infectious diseases, 39.6% prenatal injuries, and 49% developmental disorders. in the current study, 8% believed there is treatment for epilepsy but only 33.6% knew there was a surgical treatment. In response to first aid measures for epileptic fits; 73.4% reported removing all objects that may be harmful from around the victim, and call 911. Conclusion: Epilepsy is still poorly understood in the Arar community. Knowledge and attitudes about epilepsy need to be changed. Misunderstandings must be corrected by physicians and health educators, and they must educate both patients and their families about the nature of the disease and how it should be treated.