Scientific Paper Entitled: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Epilepsy Among Nurses in The Government Health Sector in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurses regarding epilepsy within the government health sector in Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to understand their subjective experiences, knowledge, and attitude towards epilepsy in a sociocultural context, and how their attitude shapes their practice towards individuals with epilepsy.

Methodology: An exploratory descriptive cross-sectional design was employed for this study. The study population consisted of licensed nurses working in the government health sector in Saudi Arabia. Private health facilities, non-trained health professionals, health professionals without a nursing background, and student nurses on clinical attachment were excluded. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants from various communities. The sample size was determined using a standard statistical formula, resulting in a sample of 102 nurses. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to analyze the data. Cross-tabulation was performed for certain items. The data analysis was conducted using STATA version 12.

Results: The findings revealed that 67.7% (69/102) of the nurses were aware of the causes of epilepsy. However, 59.8% had a low level of knowledge about the disease. While 82.4% of the nurses suspected people with epilepsy to have a mental illness, 70.6% of the nurses demonstrated a positive attitude towards epilepsy. However, 52.9% exhibited poor practices in relation to the disease. Certain socio-demographic characteristics, such as area of specialty (RMN) (p=0.045), and having a close family relationship with epilepsy (p=0.001), were significantly associated with knowledge about epilepsy. Factors such as sex (female) (p=0.037) and specialty area (RMN) (p=0.054) were found to influence attitudes towards epilepsy. The area of specialty had a statistically significant influence on nurses' practices regarding epilepsy (p=0.001). There was no statistically significant association between knowledge about epilepsy and practice (p=0.134). However, attitude was significantly related to practice (p=0.008), indicating that a negative attitude was more likely to be associated with poor practice.

Conclusion: The study concluded that nurses within the government health sector in Saudi Arabia, generally had low knowledge, positive attitudes, and poor practices regarding epilepsy.

Recommendation: The study recommends that the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health organize intermediate workshops at least every six months to provide training for nurses in epilepsy diagnoses in order to reduce the treatment gap. The health directorate should also raise awareness and educate communities about epilepsy to decrease stigma. It is imperative for the Ministry of Health and its agencies to enhance nursing education and training on epilepsy in order to improve healthcare delivery for individuals living with the disease.