Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) among Patients of Epilepsy Attending Tertiary Hospital in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Persons with epilepsy are shunned and discriminated against in education, employment, and marriage in India because epilepsy is seen as a shameful disease in the eyes of the public. These observations come from many studies carried out in India and outside.

To obtain information on knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of epilepsy patients in Bhubaneswar

Interview of 150 people with epilepsy (PWE) attending the Neurology outpatient services of Hi Tech Medical College and Hospital, Bhubaneswar was conducted. Demographic details and responses to a questionnaire assessing the knowledge, attitude and practices were recorded.

A majority of the patients belonged to middle socioeconomic strata, the literacy rate was reasonably high (96%). A large majority (91%) of PWE had heard about epilepsy and 93% knew that epilepsy can be treated with modern drugs. Positive attitude was observed with respect to allowing a child with epilepsy to study (75%), play games (91%) and allow children to play with a child with epilepsy (94%). Although encouraging responses were not observed regarding marriage. It was observed that there was only one (0.7%) response to epilepsy being contagious and 21% believed it to be caused by supernatural powers.

These studies can dispel the myths and misconceptions about epilepsy from the minds of people and create awareness regarding modern treatment modalities available for it.