ABSTRACT

Epilepsy is basically a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent derangement of the nervous system due to sudden excessive disorderly discharge of the cerebral neurons that results in almost instantaneous disturbance of sensation and loss of consciousness. This study seeks to assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of epilepsy among students of School of Basic Medical Sciences (SBMS) in University of Benin, Edo state. The study was outlined into five chapters. Relevant literature were reviewed on the subject under discourse, theoretical framework and empirical review of related studies were also discussed. The research methodology, which adopted the survey research design, and convenient sampling method was used to select three hundred and seventy-eight (378) students of School of Basic Medical Sciences (SBMS) in University of Benin, Edo state. A well-structured questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection. Analysis and interpretation of data were discussed, using tables with percentage and means to represent the information. The result from the study shows that the majority of the respondents had fair knowledge of Epilepsy, the causes of epileptic seizures and its’ risk factors. Also, the study reveals that majority of the respondents 213 (61%) of the respondents have positive attitude towards epilepsy and patients with epilepsy while 137 (39%) have negative attitude. Furthermore, the study indicates that majority of the respondents had good level of perception on the prevention and treatment regimen of Epilepsy.

KEYWORDS: Knowledge, Attitude, Perception, Epilepsy