ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT EPILEPSY OF MOTHERS UPON THEIR EPILEPTIC CHILDREN

Abstract

Abstract:

Background: Epilepsy is considered as one of the most serious noninfectious chronic neurological conditions in the world, characterized by frequent unprovoked seizures caused by a malfunction of brain cells. The study aimed to assess the level of mother’s knowledge regarding epileptic among children in Babylon province.

Materials and methods: This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Babil Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children at Electroencephalogram (EEG) unit, Emergency wards and room of Neurological Consultation. A purposive sampling of 100 mothers was chosen using a non-probability sampling method. The data was collected by direct interviews with the participants by using closed-ended questions was taken to every woman. The study period starts from November 2023 to February 2024.

Results: The results found that 58% of mothers with moderate knowledge. There were statistically significant differences found between mothers’ knowledge scores and their socio-demographic characteristics in area related to occupational status, family income, residence and level of education, where the mothers whom were employment, sufficient family income, live in urban and have higher education level, were with the better knowledge score (P. value <0.05).

Conclusion: The study concluded that most mothers in Babil Governorate have moderate knowledge of epilepsy. The results also revealed that employed mothers, sufficient family income, mothers living in urban areas, and higher education were associated with a good degree of knowledge. Educating the public about epilepsy through the mass media could go a long way in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with this problem.