Public Perception of Epilepsy in Rural Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces: A Quantitative Study on Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes

Abstract

Although epilepsy is a common non-communicable neurological disease, lack of knowledge, awareness, and negative attitudes of it abound. This study aimed to explore public awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards epilepsy and people living with epilepsy (PLWE). RaoSoft software was used to calculate the sample size, and 4290 respondents were included. The researchers employed a non-experimental quantitative survey method. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and descriptive and regression analyses were performed. Most respondents had a secondary education without grade 12 (45.2%); 79.6% were unemployed in Limpopo and 70.5% in Mpumalanga. This study had a 95.3% response rate. Both provinces displayed low knowledge of epilepsy (48.2%; mean = 5.99; SD = 2.38). Only 41% demonstrated awareness, and 56.7% had a positive attitude towards epilepsy (mean= 4.67; SD = 1.90). The findings revealed positive correlations between demographic factors and overall knowledge, awareness, and attitude. In addition, demographic factors, such as level of education and employment status, may be associated with an individual’s knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards epilepsy. This study concluded that, despite individuals’ awareness of epilepsy, their levels of knowledge were low, and many (43.3%) had a negative attitude regarding the disease. In the two provinces investigated, the study highlighted the need for epilepsy education to empower the public and improve the quality of life of PLWE and their families.