Objective: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children, and since teachers spend as much time with these children as their parents do, it is crucial for them to be able to recognize the condition. This study aimed to assess the impact of a Modular-Epilepsy-Education-Program-for-Teachers (MEEP-T) on teachers' knowledge of epilepsy and seizure first aid as well as their attitudes toward children with epilepsy. Material and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study consisting of education and control groups and using pre-test, post-test, follow-up measurements. Data collection tools ''Teacher Identification Form'', ''Epilepsy Questionnaire for Teachers'', ''Seizure First Aid Questionnaire for Teachers'' and ''Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE)'' were used in the research. Results: For all measurement tools, there were no differences in pre-test scores across the groups. Post-tests conducted after education revealed that the education group had significantly higher scores of epilepsy (18.8±1.8) and seizure first-aid knowledge (18.0±1.3) than the control group (18.0±1.3; 12.0±0.6, respectively) (p<0.05). Furthermore, the education group's PATE scale scores were significantly lower than the control group (education group: 2.6±0.3; control group: 3.8±0.8). Additionally, tests conducted after MEEP-T revealed a significant difference between the groups as well as a significant difference among measurements taken at various time periods within the education group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The MEEP-T helped teachers increase their knowledge of epilepsy and seizure first aid and transform their negative attitude toward epilepsy into a positive one. MEEP-T can be used for teachers to gain valuable knowledge about epilepsy and seizure first aid management.
Fatma Dilek Turan (Thu,) studied this question.