Effect of a brief awareness lecture on knowledge, attitude and perception of epilepsy amongst school children of Mumbai, Maharashtra

Purpose To evaluate the information that school children have on epilepsy and to compare the difference in attitudes and perception among these students post an informative session on epilepsy. Methods A Pre- questionnaire with 13 questions regarding knowledge, attitudes and perception about epilepsy was completed by the school children in Mumbai after giving assent for the study. 45 minutes interactive awareness lecture about epilepsy was taken by medical professionals working in the field of Epilepsy. Following which a Post- questionnaire with same 13 questions was completed by the school children. Results 43 students in the age group 14–16 years of both genders took part in this pilot study. 61% students had insufficient perceived knowledge of information about epilepsy which changed to 39% post intervention. 73% students had a poor attitude towards epilepsy and 51% students had a prejudice towards people with epilepsy which changed to 51% and 63% respectively. Conclusion This Study suggests that there is inverse relationship between knowledge and stigma on epilepsy. Nevertheless, the best results did not reflect an ideal situation, revealing an urgent need for an improved level of overall health education programs. This can be achieved by implementing educational policies, training programs and the universal inclusion of epilepsy awareness in the national educational program.