Knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of epilepsy amongst students at a selected higher education institution of learning in Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy, a neurological disorder that affects individuals of all ages, is often surrounded by stigma and misconceptions. Despite the prevalence of epilepsy, public knowledge and awareness about the condition are limited, particularly among university students. This study explored the perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes of students at the University of Venda regarding epilepsy to identify gaps in awareness and contribute to better educational strategies. Objectives: The purpose was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding epilepsy among students at the selected university in Limpopo province. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was utilised following a quantitative research approach, survey-ing students from various faculties at the University of Venda. The study employed purposive sampling to select the institution, and Raosoft sample size calculator was utilized to determine the total sample size of 326 participants who participated in the study. Participants were asked to complete a structured question-naire covering demographic information, knowledge about epilepsy, attitudes towards people with epi-lepsy, and perceptions of public attention given to the condition. The survey included questions such as whether participants had heard about epilepsy, their understanding of its causes and management, and their views on the rights and abilities of people living with epilepsy. All submitted responses were first securely exported from Google Forms and screened for completeness. The data were coded and cleaned to ensure accuracy and consistency before analysis. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 30.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were employed to summarize participants’ demographic characteristics, levels of knowledge, attitudes, and awareness re-garding epilepsy. Results: The survey revealed that most students (approximately 92.9%) had heard of epilepsy, but signifi-cant misconceptions persisted. Many respondents believed epilepsy is untreatable or that people with epi-lepsy should not be allowed to engage in activities such as driving and should be supervised. Only a mi-nority of participants (18.7%) knew the correct management practices during a seizure. Notably, most stu-dents (67%) felt that insufficient attention was being given to epilepsy. At the same time, participation in the study spurred increased interest in learning more about the disorder, with over 92.9% expressing a desire for more information. Conclusion: The study highlights a critical need for enhanced education about epilepsy among university students, mainly to dispel myths and encourage informed and compassionate attitudes. Educational initia-tives focusing on seizure management, inclusivity, and the dispelling of stigma could significantly improve the knowledge base. These efforts could foster a more supportive environment for individuals with epilepsy within the University of Venda and broader society.