Knowledge, attitudes and practices of a semi-urban population on epilepsy: Case of Djougou in Benin in 2019.

Abstract

Background:
Epilepsy remains in certain African populations a disease with myths and discriminatory socio-cultural interpretations.
Aim:
To assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of the population about epilepsy in a semi-urban setting (Djougou) in Benin in 2019.
Methods:
Descriptive analytical cross-sectional study with data collection from August 28 to September 29, 2019 in a faceto-face interview, which included subjects aged 15 years and older, residing in Djougou for at least 6 months, who gave their free and informed consent. The sampling was probability based with a two-stage cluster survey. The level of knowledge and attitude-practice was defined by two respective scores with two levels of appreciation (bad or good). Associated factors were determined after logistic regression.
Results:
180 subjects were interviewed, of whom 111 were men (sex ratio 1.6). The median age was 26 years [16-85 years]. The level of knowledge was good in 6.11%; CI95% [3.09% – 10.67%]. 43.33% had good attitude and practice about epilepsy, CI95% [35.98% – 50.91]. Factors associated with good knowledge were age (p=0.03), occupation (p=0.009), religion (p=0.01), source of information (p=0.000). Good attitude and practice was associated with sex (RP = 1.42; IC95% 1.0 – 2.04), socioeconomic level (p=0.01), good knowledge of epilepsy (p=0.02).
Conclusion:
In Djougou, the population had a poor level of knowledge and attitude-practice about epilepsy. Targeted education and awareness campaigns are essential to bring epilepsy out of the shadows.