Inclusion of epilepsy in life skills education of primary school learners: the perceptions of life skills advisors in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces (South Africa)

Abstract

Background. Education regarding epilepsy is paramount because it is one of the measures to equip individuals with knowledge and skills for managing seizures, and reduce stigma and misconceptions towards this disease.

Objective: to determine the perceptions of life skills educational advisors regarding the inclusion of epilepsy lessons in life skills education.

Material and methods. The study employed an exploratory-descriptive design. It was conducted in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces in South Africa. Eight life skills educational advisors were selected through snowballing sampling techniques, and data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using ATLAS.ti program.

Results. Four themes emerged which emphasize the need to include epilepsy in life skills education because the information regarding it is insufficient: life skills educational advisors’ knowledge of epilepsy, the benefits of including epilepsy in life skills education, content for such education, and methods of teaching. Some individuals consider epilepsy is a medical condition whereas others believe that it is a disease caused by witchcraft.

Conclusion. There is a need to include epilepsy in life skills education as it will improve people's awareness about the disease.