Primary school female teachers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice toward students with epilepsy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is the most neurological condition prevalent in humanity and it is associated with stigma and discrimination. Knowledge and practice of primary care teachers toward students with epilepsy, especially at young age, is imperative for their development. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of female primary school teachers toward students with epilepsy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 582 female primary school teachers had volunteered. They were assessed on their knowledge, attitude, and practice toward students with epilepsy using a self-administrated questionnaire. The questionnaire was cross-culturally validated before the distribution. RESULTS: The results suggest above-average familiarity with epilepsy (79.2%). Younger teachers are less likely to associate epilepsy with retardation (P = 0.038). In general, the attitude was positive among the teachers, and 36.9% felt that the students should be treated normally and 63.1% with compassion toward them. Only 14.3% answered that epileptic students should be transferred to special need schools. Highly educated teachers were less likely to feel that epileptic students can cause problems (P = 0.038). The practice was poor with 31.8% expressed the ability to provide first aid to epileptic students. Only 27.5% accepted to give the students prescribed medications. CONCLUSION: The knowledge about epilepsy needs improvement among primary school teachers in Riyadh. Public level interventions through proper courses can provide a leverage. The higher level of knowledge can be pivotal in increasing the positive attitude and practice of teachers toward epileptic students.