A Study of Knowledge and Attitude Improvement on Epilepsy among Thai Physicians and Nurses
Chaichon Locharernkul MD*, Sungval Suwaroporn MN*, Waraphorn Krongthong MSc*, Chakriya Limarun BN*, Arpaporn Arnamwong BSc *
Affiliation : * Chulabhorn Epilepsy Centre (CEC) under the Patronage of Professor Doctor HRH Princess Chulabhorn, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To study improvement of knowledge and attitudes on epilepsy care among two groups of physicians and nurses.
Material and Method: Knowledge and attitudes of 164 physicians and 403 nurses before and after attending educational
courses on epilepsy care was assessed using questionnaires.
Results : After the courses, knowledge and attitudes of physicians and nurses was improved with statistical significance (pair-
t-test: t (163) =10.19, p < 0.001; t (402) = 18.41, p < 0.001). The most misunderstanding were incorrect first aid of seizure,
misinterpretation of blood changes after antiepileptic drug therapy, inadequate awareness of epilepsy surgery, and prohibition
of swimming in people with epilepsy. No differences between baseline and post training scores among physicians in neurology,
internal medicine, emergency medicine, and general practice were observed.
Conclusion : The present study is the first to objectively measure improvement of knowledge and attitudes among Thai
physicians and nurses after courses about epilepsy care, reflecting importance of additional epilepsy education. Items
showing misapprehension can be used to provide the educational contents.
Keywords : Attitude, Epilepsy, Knowledge, Nurse, Physician
