Awareness, knowledge and attitude with respect to epilepsy among the population of ulaanbaatar and some influencing factors / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

ABSTRACT

Background. There are varieties of supports from Mongolian government and health organizations to people with epilepsy. However, epileptics are often socially discriminated due to the negative public attitudes, misconceptions, false beliefs and wrong decisions. Because of this they miss out their right to study or work. Under the aim of providing right information and knowledge about epilepsy to public, carrying out continuous health educational trainings and studies among population is very important to reduce negative attitude towards epilepsy, to prevent from epilepsy stigma and to improve patients’ quality of life.Goal. The objective of this study was to assess the understanding, knowledge and attitude towards epilepsy among population in Ulaanbaatar and to determine some influencing factors.Methods. Questionnaire was carried out within randomly selected 700 people from 6 districts in Ulaanbaatar city.Results. Participants’ age range was from 16 to 64 years and average age was 36.0 (SD 9.34). 64.1% (449) participants out of all had some understanding and knowledge about epilepsy while they possess high school and university educational degree. 42.2% (295) participants had some knowledge about causes of epilepsy, how to react and how to give a first aid for epilepsy patients. However, 57.8% (405) participant out of all involved in the study had not enough knowledge about epilepsy. 29.7% (208) participant had a positive attitude towards epilepsy.ConclusionPersonal age, educational level, information accessed and interaction with people with epilepsy influences to the knowledge about epilepsy.