Publication: School Teachers’ Knowledge about Epilepsy in Kathmandu Metropolitan City
Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Studies on Knowledge towards epilepsy among school teachers are very limited
on developing countries especially with reference to Nepal. Level of knowledge of
schoolteachers plays an important role on providing a greater educational support
for epileptic child and to maintain good communication skills between epileptic and
normal child.
Objective
Objective of this study is to assess the level of knowledge about epilepsy and its
associated factors among school teachers.
Method
A cross sectional study was conducted from 10th June to 4th July, 2014 among 165
teachers teaching in six different schools of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. A self-
administrated questionnaire consisting of structured and multiple choice questions
were designed to collect information on the teacher’s socio-demographic profile and
knowledge about epilepsy. A scoring system was developed for each question: each
correct answer was given a score of 1, and a score of 0 for wrong answer. Total score
was categorized on two categories: Good Knowledge and Poor Knowledge.
Result
Teacher’s age did not correlate significantly with their knowledge about epilepsy
but total years of teaching experiences and knowledge about epilepsy were found
to be positively correlated (ρ= 0.165, p= 0.01). Academic qualification of teachers
and different teaching level were associated with level of knowledge (p= 0.023, p=
0.021). Significant difference on knowledge score was found among teachers having
different academic qualification (p= 0.019).
Conclusion
All teachers were aware about epilepsy, but their knowledge about epilepsy was not
sufficient therefore, health education training program about epilepsy is needed for
teachers.
KEY WORDS
Epilepsy, knowledge, school teachers
Description
Khanal K,1 Maharjan R,2 Pokharel BR,3 Sanjel S1
1Department of Community Medicine
2Department of Nursing
3Department of Internal Medicine
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
Keywords
Epilepsy, Knowledge, School teachers