The effects of childhood epilepsy training on knowledge and awareness among teachers

Abstract

Objective:

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of childhood epilepsy training provided by paediatric nurses to teachers in Türkiye.

Design:

Experimental design.

Setting:

Three primary schools located in Zonguldak, Türkiye.

Methods:

The study took place between October 2022 and June 2023. Thirty teachers were allocated to an intervention group and 30 teachers to a control group. An Information Form, the Childhood Epilepsy Knowledge and Epilepsy Awareness Questionnaire for Teachers, and a Childhood Epilepsy Knowledge and Awareness Booklet for Teachers were used to collect data before the training, immediately after the training, and at 1 month after the training to assess retention. Data were analysed using SPSS for Windows.

Results:

A statistically significant difference was found between the intervention and control group participants’ epilepsy awareness scores for teachers at the first, second and third measurement times (F = 44.312; p < 0.05). At the second and third measurements in the intervention group, the epilepsy knowledge and awareness scores of participants were higher than the first measurement scores.

Conclusion:

The childhood epilepsy training provided increased the knowledge and awareness of teachers. Providing teachers with accurate information about epilepsy will likely increase the likelihood that teachers are prepared to ensure that seizures occur without harming the child or causing panic; help reduce the difficulties experienced by children with epilepsy in the classroom; and aid in alleviating the concerns of families with children with epilepsy during their time at school.