Purpose

The understanding of the opinions of the Nigerian public about epilepsy and its treatment is relevant to the reduction of the large treatment gap that exists in management of the condition. The major aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of urban dwellers to epilepsy and its treatment and to identify the gaps in knowledge that could pose as barriers in the treatment and care of epilepsy patients within the community.

Method

This cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out in one of the districts of Enugu metropolis, Nigeria. Data collection was by means of a semi-structured validated questionnaire.

Results

The mean score in knowledge was low, 48.1 ± 18.8%; higher in females (50.6 ± 18.6%, p = 0.03 and those who had witnessed seizures in the past 49.7 ± 18.8, p < 0.01. On attitudes, 61.8% of the respondents accepted that it is right if sufferers married but most (93.2%) would not marry them and 87.2% would not allow them to have children or make a new acquaintance by working or playing with them (72.8%). There were no significant differences in the attitude scores of respondents with different levels of education.

Conclusion

The level of knowledge of epilepsy in among urban dwellers in SE Nigeria is low and fraught with misconceptions and gaps. There were no significant differences in the attitude scores of respondents with different levels of education. There is a need for a multi-faceted educational interventions directed at improving the awareness and understanding of the condition by all segments of the society.