AWARENESS OF SEIZURE FIRST AID AMONG THE POPULATION IN NAJRAN REGION, SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Saleh Al Qahtani*, Mohammed Al Mutlaq, Yahya Ishaq, Hidar Al Qudhaya, Saeed Al Salea, Wejdan Al Abyah, Taif Alqahtani, Maha Alsqoor, Montaha Aljaleel, Rema Al Sairi, Rahaf Almakrami, Manar Alsiari

Background & aim: There are a number of opposing viewpoints regarding epilepsy, and public knowledge of the condition differs greatly between nations. The current study sought to ascertain what the general knowledge in Najran region, Saudi Arabia, knew about several facets of epilepsy

Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out over a six-month period in Najran region. A structured survey was utilized to collect information from adult participants recruited through social media. This survey was piloted to guarantee its clarity and relevance. The sample size was estimated to allow for a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. SPSS software was used to conduct statistical analyses on awareness levels, first aid knowledge, and demographic relationships. Answers of 380 participants were enrolled in the study analysis.

Results: Majority of participants was female (63.4%), with mean age was 28.36 years. Up to 6% had medical occupation. Mean total score of knowledge about epilepsy first aids was 24.33 ± 7.38. Out of those patients; 213 (56%) and 167 (44%) had satisfactory and unsatisfactory knowledge, respectively. Both groups of participants either with satisfactory or unsatisfactory level of knowledge had comparable characteristics with exception of significantly higher of males among those with satisfactory knowledge (70.8% vs. 53.8%; p= 0.04).

Conclusion: There is a lack of knowledge and awareness of studied population toward epilepsy first aids. Thus, educational courses and awareness campaigns are essential in order to improve the knowledge of the general population about this issue. Also, similar studies should be done all over the Saudi Arabia to actually assess the population’s knowledge.