Abstract

Objective

The study aimed to test knowledge and attitudes of physical educators in Palestine toward epilepsy and students with epilepsy. The study also aimed to identify the variables that were associated with adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward epilepsy and students with epilepsy.

Methods

This study was done in a cross-sectional design among physical educators in Palestinian schools. The questionnaire tested knowledge and attitudes of physical educators using 18-item and 12-statement tests, respectively.

Results

Complete questionnaires were returned by 226 physical educators (response rate = 75.3%). The median knowledge score of the physical educators on the 18-item knowledge test was 50% [33.0%, 61.0] and the median attitudes score of the physical educators on the 12-statemtns was 50.0% [42.0, 58.0]. Higher knowledge scores were associated with age, teaching experience, educational level, having known/interacted with people with epilepsy, and receiving education about epilepsy. Higher attitude scores were associated with gender, age, educational level, place of residence, type of school, having known/interacted with people with epilepsy, and receiving education about epilepsy.

Conclusion

Knowledge gaps and negative attitudes toward epilepsy and students with epilepsy were identified among physical educators in Palestine. Appropriately designed interventions are still needed to improve knowledge and correct attitudes of physical educators about epilepsy and students with epilepsy.

Keywords
Attitude,Epilepsy,Knowledge,Physical educators, Teachers,Schools,Palestine

Title

Epilepsy & Behavior

Publisher

Elsevier Inc.

Publisher Country

United States of America

Indexing

Thomson Reuters

Impact Factor

2.93

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

126

Year

2022

Pages

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