Knowledge, attitudes, and seizure first aid for childhood epilepsy among the Madinah community, Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders and affects people of all ages. In Saudi Arabia, its prevalence is higher than global estimates, with higher rates reported among children. Despite its prevalence, misconceptions and stigma surrounding epilepsy persist and may contribute to social exclusion, discrimination, and adverse psychological consequences, with children facing increased social challenges. Research on public knowledge awareness and attitudes toward childhood epilepsy remains limited in Al Madinah Al Munawwara. This study therefore assessed community knowledge awareness and attitudes toward childhood epilepsy and examined their associations with sociodemographic characteristics.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 580 adult residents of Al Madinah Al Munawwara between April and July 2025. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and seizure first aid knowledge. Descriptive statistics Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman correlation, and multivariable binary logistic regression were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Most participants had previously heard or read about epilepsy (87.3%), and attitudes toward children with epilepsy were generally favorable. However, important knowledge gaps were identified. Nearly two-thirds did not know what to do during a seizure (64.7%) or how to provide first aid to a child experiencing one (65.2%). Some participants reported inappropriate first-aid actions, including placing an object in the child's mouth and restraining the child. Higher educational attainment and previous exposure to epilepsy were independently associated with better knowledge. Male participants had lower odds of good knowledge and favorable attitudes than females, while previous exposure to epilepsy was associated with more favorable attitudes. Knowledge awareness and attitudes were positively but weakly correlated.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the Madinah community has high general awareness and favorable attitudes toward childhood epilepsy. However, practical knowledge of seizure first aid remains insufficient. Strengthening community-based educational initiatives may improve understanding and promote appropriate responses to seizures.