Abstract:

Purpose: In this study we aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of primary school teachers about childhood epilepsy disease and contribute to pretentive public health policies.  Material and Methods: In our study 463 primary school teachers were included between 02.11.2015 to 07.12.2015 at the center of Kahramanmaras province. Questionnaires were administered to teachers giving informed consent for childhood epilepsy containing questions about their knowledge, attitude and behaviors. Participants' level of knowledge about epilepsy was assessed over a total of 29 points.  Results: Of all teachers, 62.2% determined that they have faced with a child undergoing epileptic seizures. While teachers' level of knowledge about childhood epilepsy average score 14. 34 was found, male teachers of epilepsy knowledge score was 14.4±4.6 and female teachers of epilepsy knowledge score was 14.2±4.0. Knowledge about epilepsy was similar in male and female teachers. When asked to teachers for epilepsy causes, of 263 (56.8%) brain disease, 236 (51%) genetic causes and 153 (33%) head trauma was revealed. 367 (%79.3) of participants involuntary contractions in the body, 366 (%79) fainting, and 325 (%70.2) stated that epilepsy is a symptom of loss of consciousness. Conclusion: In our study primary school teachers have insufficient knowledge of epilepsy according to the points we questioned. In addition we detected serious misbehaviors of teachers about childhood epilepsy. It is of great importance to train teachers about childhood epilepsy and epileptic seizures to be taken effective measures for the protection of the biological, social and psychicological health of children.

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