Epilepsy: knowledge, attitude and awareness in Jeddah Saudi Arabia

Results Total of the 1122 respondents who completed the survey, 1023 (91%) reported their awareness of the disorder, 514 (46%) witnessed an epileptic seizure during their lifetime and 715 (64%) stated their unawareness of handling a patients with an epileptic seizure. A total of 985 (88%) reported that epilepsy is not an infectious disease, 712 (63%) believed that epilepsy is not related to evil or Jin’s possession, 794 (71%) accepted sharing of schools with epileptic patients, 877 (78%) believed that an epileptic patient is capable of living a normal life, although 548 (49%) refused to marry an epileptic patient. Additionally, 1067 (95%) showed their encouragement to build and support the existence of an organization that will support epileptic patients. Conclusions Our results showed that epilepsy is a well-known disorder in Saudi Arabia but the level of awareness was very low and it can be improved by educating the people. Residents of Jeddah seemed to accept epileptic patients for their condition but still clearly unaware of what the neurological disorder truly means. This survey showed that most of the responses were due to misunderstanding of the disorder. Hence, basic educational awareness programs and campaigns are needed for building an epileptic friendly society. Furthermore, this survey will also provide a base for international comparison of epilepsy with Saudi Arabia.