The Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Epilepsy amongst Health Workers in a Tertiary Hospital in Uyo, Southern Nigeria

Background: Epilepsy is usually stigmatized in the developing world because of the poor knowledge. The health workers in Nigeria are generally regarded as the custodians of medical information irrespective of their designation in the health care institution. Their opinion in health issues is generally coveted hence they majorly influence the attitude and health seeking behaviour of their respective communities.

Aim: The aim of the study was to study the Knowledge attitude and perception towards epilepsy amongst health workers in a tertiary hospital. We compared the knowledge and perception of doctors to that of other health service providers. We also made a comparison of the health service providers (HSP) with that of the health management and support workers (HMSW).

Study Design: The study is a prospective cross sectional survey.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was carried out in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. The data was collected within six months (September 2014 to March 2015).

Methodology: The participants were health workers in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. The study is a questionnaire based study. We distributed 600 questionnaires to the participants. The questions explored the knowledge of etiology (perceived and medically proven). Their attitudes and perception to persons with epilepsy was also explored.

Results: There were 477 respondents in this study. The HMSW were more likely to believe that epilepsy was due to evil spirits, witches and excessive consumption of palm oil than the HSP (p<0.001). Five (2.45%) of the HSP believed epilepsy should not be treated in the hospital compared to the HMSW. The HSPs were more likely to relate with a PWE than the HMSWs.

Conclusion: There is still a huge gap in the level of knowledge, attitude and perception of health workers towards especially the HMSW.