Paula Jansen1, Martina P Neininger2, Matthias K Bernhard3, Wieland Kiess4, Andreas Merkenschlager5, Thilo Bertsche6, Astrid Bertsche7. 1. University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Paediatric Research, Liebigstr. 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. Electronic address: paula.jansen@medizin.uni-leipzig.de. 2. Dept. of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 32, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. Electronic address: martina.neininger@uni-leipzig.de. 3. University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Paediatric Research, Liebigstr. 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. Electronic address: matthias.bernhard@medizin.uni-leipzig.de. 4. University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Paediatric Research, Liebigstr. 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. Electronic address: wieland.kiess@medizin.uni-leipzig.de. 5. University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Paediatric Research, Liebigstr. 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. Electronic address: andreas.merkenschlager@medizin.uni-leipzig.de. 6. Dept. of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 32, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. Electronic address: thilo.bertsche@uni-leipzig.de. 7. University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre for Paediatric Research, Liebigstr. 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. Electronic address: astrid.bertsche@medizin.uni-leipzig.de.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Attitudes concerning epilepsy improved over the last few decades, but children with epilepsy still suffer from stigmatisation. Data about unaffected children's knowledge of and attitudes about epilepsy is scarce. METHODS: We developed a questionnaire regarding epilepsy for high school students attending 8th-10th grade. The survey was performed from October 2015 to March 2016 in 5 different federal states of Germany. RESULTS: 1092 students [mean age (Q25/75): 14.5 (14/15) years] participated. 542/1092 (50%) of the respondents knew that people could die from a seizure. 216/1092 (20%) thought emotional strain could cause epilepsy. Asked for measures they would perform in case of a seizure, 235/1092 (24%) participants would hold the person to the ground, and 182/1092 (19%) would put a solid object into the person's mouth. 28/1092 (3%) would not like to be friends with a person with epilepsy, and 237/1092 (22%) would not like to go on a date with a person with epilepsy. Answers of 342/1092 (31%) students of a school located nearby a specialised epilepsy centre differed in some questions. The latter students were more familiar with epilepsy and showed better knowledge concerning causes, symptoms and treatment of epilepsy. In a question about special characteristics of people with epilepsy, 63/342 (18%) [other schools: 52/750 (11%)] answered people with epilepsy were friendlier and 76/342 (22%) [other schools: 49/750 (11%)] answered they were more sociable compared to people without epilepsy. CONCLUSION: To improve knowledge and attitudes and reduce misconceptions further education seems necessary.
PURPOSE: Attitudes concerning epilepsy improved over the last few decades, but children with epilepsy still suffer from stigmatisation. Data about unaffected children's knowledge of and attitudes about epilepsy is scarce. METHODS: We developed a questionnaire regarding epilepsy for high school students attending 8th-10th grade. The survey was performed from October 2015 to March 2016 in 5 different federal states of Germany. RESULTS: 1092 students [mean age (Q25/75): 14.5 (14/15) years] participated. 542/1092 (50%) of the respondents knew that people could die from a seizure. 216/1092 (20%) thought emotional strain could cause epilepsy. Asked for measures they would perform in case of a seizure, 235/1092 (24%) participants would hold the person to the ground, and 182/1092 (19%) would put a solid object into the person's mouth. 28/1092 (3%) would not like to be friends with a person with epilepsy, and 237/1092 (22%) would not like to go on a date with a person with epilepsy. Answers of 342/1092 (31%) students of a school located nearby a specialised epilepsy centre differed in some questions. The latter students were more familiar with epilepsy and showed better knowledge concerning causes, symptoms and treatment of epilepsy. In a question about special characteristics of people with epilepsy, 63/342 (18%) [other schools: 52/750 (11%)] answered people with epilepsy were friendlier and 76/342 (22%) [other schools: 49/750 (11%)] answered they were more sociable compared to people without epilepsy. CONCLUSION: To improve knowledge and attitudes and reduce misconceptions further education seems necessary.