Knowledge, attitudes and practices with respect to epilepsy among accredited social health activists (ASHAs): A study from rural part of Karnataka

 

 

Abstract              Background: Epilepsy is the second most common neurological condition with large treatment gap. Knowledge, attitudes and practices with respect to epilepsy among grass root health workers is one of the important factors in addressing the treatment gap. This study aims at assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices with respect to epilepsy among Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). Materials and Methods: Data was collected from 500 ASHAs working in 10 taluks of Tumkur district, Karnataka using Socio- demographic profile sheet and questionnaire designed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices with respect to epilepsy. Study design was cross- sectional. Results: All ASHAs were females with mean age of 34.9 years, 80.4 % of them with working experience of more than 3 years and 97.2 % of them have studied above secondary education (8th class onwards). 97.2 % had heard about epilepsy but at least one fourth ASHAs have not read or seen seizure. Most of them would object their children association and would not allow marriage to person with epilepsy (PWE). 87.0 % think epilepsy is contagious, while 79.0 % believe epilepsy is a form of insanity. Around half of them considered epilepsy is due to evil spirit and punishment from God. Conclusions: Lack of knowledge, negative attitudes and practices toward PWE are widely prevalent among ASHAs. Hence, there is strong need to organize more educational and training programs on epilepsy to reduce the treatment gap and to dispel myths and misconceptions about epilepsy.

Key Word: Person with epilepsy; Knowledge; Attitude; Practices; Health care worker