Caregivers' and Family Members' Knowledge Attitudes and Practices (KAP) towards Epilepsy in Rural Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa

Ofhani Prudance Musekwa; Lufuno Makhado; Angelina Maphula

doi:10.3390/ijerph20065222

Caregivers' and Family Members' Knowledge Attitudes and Practices (KAP) towards Epilepsy in Rural Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Mar 22;20(6):5222. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20065222.

Authors

Ofhani Prudance Musekwa¹, Lufuno Makhado², Angelina Maphula¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa.
² Faculty Deans Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa.

Abstract

Epilepsy, a common neurological disease, has a significant impact on people living with epilepsy (PLWE), their caregivers, and their family members. Research has consistently shown that the quality of life of PLWE is low. To expand on this knowledge, a non-experimental quantitative survey study was conducted to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of caregivers and family members towards epilepsy and epilepsy-related seizures. The study sample consisted of 519 participants from two South African provinces (Limpopo and Mpumalanga), mostly aged 26-35 years. The study revealed that most respondents in Limpopo had no formal education, whereas in Mpumalanga, most had a secondary education. Most respondents (32.4%) reported always using a spoon to prevent tongue biting during seizures. However, 62.4% of respondents reported feeling unprepared to handle an epileptic seizure. Additionally, the majority (54.7%) showed a moderate level of knowledge about epilepsy. Many respondents had a negative attitude towards epilepsy, and there was uncertainty about proper practices during a seizure. In summary, the research highlights unsatisfactory knowledge and practices towards epilepsy and emphasizes the need for increased education and awareness among caregivers and family members. Significant educational investment is needed from medical services to improve epilepsy care, knowledge, and attitudes.

Keywords: attitude; caregiver; epilepsy; family member; knowledge; practices.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Caregivers
Epilepsy*
Family
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Humans
Quality of Life
Seizures
South Africa
Surveys and Questionnaires

Grants and funding

This research was funded by GladAfrica Foundation Trust and NIHSS-SAHUDA doctoral scholarship (project number: SDS20/1189). The work reported herein was made possible through funding by the South African Medical Research Council through its Division of Research Capacity Development under the SAMRC Researcher Development Award from funding received from the South African National Treasury (SAMRC/RCD/RDA23/24). The content hereof is the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the SAMRC or the funders.