Knowledge, attitude, and practice of epileptic patients towards their illness and treatment in Jimma University specialized hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

Background: Epilepsy is a major public health problem and specially in developing countries where its incidence is found to be higher. In countries like Ethiopia, epilepsy is thought as a supernatural happening and patients usually suffer from social discrimination and prejudice. Aims: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of people with epilepsy regarding their illness and its treatment at Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted among patients with epilepsy on follow-up at epilepsy clinic. The study was done between June and July 2013 and data was analyzed by using SPSS version 16.0. Results: A total of 180 epileptic patients, on follow-up clinic, were interviewed out. A total of 25.5% and 60% of the respondents have knowledge about the cause and treatment of epilepsy, respectively. And, 70% of the respondents have positive attitude towards their treatment. About 53.3% of the respondents suggested correct positioning of the patients during seizure to prevent aspiration. Conclusion: The study has showed that the majority of the respondents have medium knowledge and better attitude towards epilepsy and its treatments. They also have medium knowledge about the first aid measures to be taken for seizing patients.