Population-level Investigation of the Public Awareness Level Toward Witnessed Seizures in Saudi Arabia

Overview: Epilepsy is a common brain disorder with prevalence in Saudi Arabia of about 6.54 per 1,000 population. The outcome of a seizure can be affected by the measures taken by witnesses in the prehospital setting; incorrect measures toward a seizure can cause serious harm to the seizing patient or the person trying to help them. Methods: Cross sectional analysis of anonymous adults in Saudi Arabia who participated in an electronic format questionnaire distributed between May 2020 - August 2020 by social media to measure the awareness toward witnessed seizure in prehospital setting. Data collection included demographics and knowledge about epilepsy, appropriate approach toward a seizing patient and the expectation about the duration of most seizure attacks. Any workers in the health sector or any relatives or close friends of patients known to have epilepsy were excluded from the analysis. Results: 416 participants met the inclusion criteria for this study with 52% being between 30 - 49 years of age and 52% males. 97% have heard about epilepsy before. 48.1% have seen at least one seizure before. 58% reported that they are willing to help seizing patients. The correct reaction toward a seizing patient was only chosen by 18 participants (4.3%). 79.6% will call the ambulance and 35.6% will try to put a hard object in the patient's mouth. Only 26% will put the patient on their right side. 32% thought that duration of most seizures was between 2-5 minutes. Conclusion: The study results suggest that general public awareness about reaction to seizures in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and in need of increasing awareness.