“The understanding and attitude toward epilepsy in the Souss‐Massa region of Morocco”

OBJECTIVE: Sociocultural beliefs about epilepsy impede medical treatment and social acceptance of people with epilepsy. These barriers can lead to disability and contribute to the stigmatization of people with epilepsy. Assessing knowledge, myths, and attitude about epilepsy and associated factors among adults in Souss‐Massa, Morocco. METHODS: We conducted a cross‐sectional study in which data were collected from a sample of 385 individuals in the Souss‐Massa region of Southern Morocco. Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The analysis of the collected questionnaires was processed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. RESULTS: 385 responses were included in the analysis. The results reveal a lack of knowledge, an unfavorable attitude, and the persistence of myths and misunderstandings about epilepsy. The findings of this study suggest that good knowledge was significantly associated with sociodemographic factors: the age range of more than 54 years and health professional status. In addition, the favorable attitude toward epilepsy correlates with the sociodemographic factors: male gender and urban residential area. SIGNIFICANCE: The main finding of this study indicates insufficient knowledge, the persistence of myth, and an unfavorable attitude about epilepsy. Therefore, the application of public awareness programs about epilepsy in urban and rural areas is necessary.