Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a neurological condition marked by unpredictably disrupted brain activity known as epileptic seizures. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of epilepsy is 6.5 per 1,000. The Saudi community has a low level of awareness regarding epilepsy.
Objective: To assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding epilepsy in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among people who lived in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that was distributed via social media.
Results: A total of 448 responses were received. Participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria completed the study questionnaire. Only 111 (24.8%) participants had good knowledge level regarding epilepsy and its treatment. Good attitude was detected among 50.3% of female participants as compared to 43.1% of males (p = 0.049). Also, 49.5% of participants who had heard or read about disease had good attitude towards epilepsy.
Conclusion: Only one-quarter of the participants in the present survey had sufficient level of knowledge about epilepsy and its treatment.

Key words: Epilepsy, epileptic seizure, convulsion, neurological disorder