Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and misconceptions about epilepsy among University of Venda students: A call for enhanced education and awareness
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting individuals of all ages, often surrounded by stigma and misconceptions. Despite its prevalence, awareness about epilepsy is limited, particularly among university students. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of students at...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-12-01
|
| Series: | Epilepsy & Behavior Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S258998642500067X |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1849430716463448064 |
|---|---|
| author | A.E. Ndou L. Makhado O.P. Netshisaulu |
| author_facet | A.E. Ndou L. Makhado O.P. Netshisaulu |
| author_sort | A.E. Ndou |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting individuals of all ages, often surrounded by stigma and misconceptions. Despite its prevalence, awareness about epilepsy is limited, particularly among university students. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of students at the University of Venda regarding epilepsy to identify gaps and improve educational strategies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with students from various faculties at the University of Venda. Participants completed a structured questionnaire that collected demographic information and assessed their knowledge about epilepsy, attitudes towards individuals with the condition, and perceptions of public awareness. The survey included questions about awareness of epilepsy, understanding its causes and management, and views on the rights of people living with epilepsy. A total of 326 students participated in the survey. The survey showed that approximately 92.9% of students had heard of epilepsy, but many misconceptions remained. A significant number believed that epilepsy is untreatable and that those with the condition should not drive or participate in certain activities. Only 18.7% knew the correct management practices for seizures. Furthermore, 67% of students felt that insufficient attention was given to epilepsy, yet the study increased interest in learning more, as over 92.9% expressed a desire for additional information. The findings highlight the need for better education about epilepsy among university students to dispel myths and promote informed attitudes. Educational initiatives focused on seizure management and inclusivity could create a more supportive environment for individuals with epilepsy at the University of Venda and beyond. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0a3435dd8c0e4729a2bc819b3e6c317b |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2589-9864 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-12-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Epilepsy & Behavior Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-0a3435dd8c0e4729a2bc819b3e6c317b2025-08-20T03:27:52ZengElsevierEpilepsy & Behavior Reports2589-98642025-12-013210080710.1016/j.ebr.2025.100807Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and misconceptions about epilepsy among University of Venda students: A call for enhanced education and awarenessA.E. Ndou0L. Makhado1O.P. Netshisaulu2Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, 1 University Road, Thohoyandou 0950 Limpopo Province, South AfricaDepartment of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, 1 University Road, Thohoyandou 0950 Limpopo Province, South Africa; Corresponding author.Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Gauteng 2092, South AfricaEpilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting individuals of all ages, often surrounded by stigma and misconceptions. Despite its prevalence, awareness about epilepsy is limited, particularly among university students. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of students at the University of Venda regarding epilepsy to identify gaps and improve educational strategies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with students from various faculties at the University of Venda. Participants completed a structured questionnaire that collected demographic information and assessed their knowledge about epilepsy, attitudes towards individuals with the condition, and perceptions of public awareness. The survey included questions about awareness of epilepsy, understanding its causes and management, and views on the rights of people living with epilepsy. A total of 326 students participated in the survey. The survey showed that approximately 92.9% of students had heard of epilepsy, but many misconceptions remained. A significant number believed that epilepsy is untreatable and that those with the condition should not drive or participate in certain activities. Only 18.7% knew the correct management practices for seizures. Furthermore, 67% of students felt that insufficient attention was given to epilepsy, yet the study increased interest in learning more, as over 92.9% expressed a desire for additional information. The findings highlight the need for better education about epilepsy among university students to dispel myths and promote informed attitudes. Educational initiatives focused on seizure management and inclusivity could create a more supportive environment for individuals with epilepsy at the University of Venda and beyond.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S258998642500067XEpilepsyUniversity studentsKnowledge and awarenessMisconceptionsAttitudesSeizure management |
| spellingShingle | A.E. Ndou L. Makhado O.P. Netshisaulu Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and misconceptions about epilepsy among University of Venda students: A call for enhanced education and awareness Epilepsy & Behavior Reports Epilepsy University students Knowledge and awareness Misconceptions Attitudes Seizure management |
| title | Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and misconceptions about epilepsy among University of Venda students: A call for enhanced education and awareness |
| title_full | Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and misconceptions about epilepsy among University of Venda students: A call for enhanced education and awareness |
| title_fullStr | Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and misconceptions about epilepsy among University of Venda students: A call for enhanced education and awareness |
| title_full_unstemmed | Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and misconceptions about epilepsy among University of Venda students: A call for enhanced education and awareness |
| title_short | Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and misconceptions about epilepsy among University of Venda students: A call for enhanced education and awareness |
| title_sort | assessing knowledge attitudes and misconceptions about epilepsy among university of venda students a call for enhanced education and awareness |
| topic | Epilepsy University students Knowledge and awareness Misconceptions Attitudes Seizure management |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S258998642500067X |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT aendou assessingknowledgeattitudesandmisconceptionsaboutepilepsyamonguniversityofvendastudentsacallforenhancededucationandawareness AT lmakhado assessingknowledgeattitudesandmisconceptionsaboutepilepsyamonguniversityofvendastudentsacallforenhancededucationandawareness AT opnetshisaulu assessingknowledgeattitudesandmisconceptionsaboutepilepsyamonguniversityofvendastudentsacallforenhancededucationandawareness |