ABSTRACT

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect students’ success and peer relations. Students with epilepsy sometimes have epileptic seizures at school. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and behavior of guidance counselors regarding epilepsy.

A descriptive survey model to assess a total of 73 guidance counselors working in schools in Istanbul. A total of 11 questions were prepared by the researcher based on the literature. In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistics, such as frequency, percentage, and arithmetic mean were used.

It was determined that the majority of guidance counselors had not received training about epilepsy and, that their primary sources of information about the disorder were newspapers and magaziness. They knew the students with epilepsy at school and had been advised of the condition by the family. While counselors have a responsibility to support epileptic students, they often do not feel qualified and do not accept the role at the time of a seizure. Serious errors in the appropriate behavior during a seizure were also noted. The qualifications of the guidance counselors were insufficient for neuropsychiatric intervention.

Counselors have an important role in the care of epileptic students in the school environment. Training programs should be implemented to increase knowledge of epilepsy. Information about epilepsy should also be added to the university curriculum.

Keywords: Epilepsy, student, guidance teachers