Background: Epilepsy is very prevalent in Egypt, approaching 6.98 per
1000 population. This study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitudes
towards epilepsy among guardians of Egyptian high school students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was made among guardians (parents/guardians)
of high school students in Assiut city, Egypt. A 15-item questionnaire was self-administered
by 1257 students guardians who were randomly selected.
Results: All recruited parents/guardians of high school students had heard about
epilepsy. Families with a patient with epilepsy (PWE) had significantly better information
about epilepsy and its aetiology than other families. The predictors of negative
attitudes towards PWE were: age group ranging from 40 to 49 years, no work,
skilled work, male sex and incorrect knowledge.
Conclusion: Having a patient with epilepsy is a predictor to having greater knowledge
and a better attitude towards epilepsy. However, people still have a concept that
PWE are stigmatized and are different from others. Raising awareness about epilepsy
and its aetiology will increase the knowledge and improve the attitudes towards PWE.