ABSTRACT

Today, management of epilepsy treatment is still a major problem. The level of knowledge of epilepsy is important within health care providers and patients with epilepsy. In this study we aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and attitudes towards the disease.

A face to face questionnaire (consisted 9 questions) was applicated to 61 patients with epilepsy by a neurologist. Patients included were ones who applied to the neurology out-patient clinic during September 2010 and January 2011. Questioned 91 health care professionals were medical doctors, nurses, medical technicians and medical officers.

We found that the ratio of wrong answers in patient-questionaire was significantly higher than of medical professionals. Level of education versus ratio of wrong answers among patients with epilepsy and medical professionals also revealed an inverse significant correlation.

Results of the present study showed that knowledge of medical professionals about epilepsy was better than of the patient group. Although this difference is not a totally unexpected finding, results also favored the need for amelioration of regular education programs for the management of epilepsy, not only for patients but also the health professionals.

Keywords: Knowledge, education, epilepsy, myth, medical professionals