Epilepsy perception amongst university students: a survey.

PURPOSE To evaluate the information that university students have on epilepsy and to compare the differences in attitudes and perception among groups with different levels of information. METHODS A questionnaire with 13 questions regarding knowledge, attitudes and perception about epilepsy was completed by first, third and sixth year medical students and to students from Arts and Science courses. RESULTS First year medical students gave inadequate answers, especially with regard to information about epilepsy and actions to take during seizures. Answers of third and sixth year medical students were more adequate. Arts and Science students gave the poorest responses in relation to specialist information and attitudes regarding epilepsy. DISCUSSION This study suggests that there is an inverse relationship between knowledge and stigma on epilepsy. Nevertheless, the best results did not reflect an ideal situation, revealing an urgent need for an improved level of overall health education programs. This can be achieved by implementing educational policies, training programs and the universal inclusion of these subjects in the global educational program.