Childhood Seizures: Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude and Home Interventions among Patients attending a Paediatric Outpatient Clinic in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Most seizures in children occur outside the hospital and effective first aid would protect individuals from harm. Study  assessed the knowledge, attitude and home-based interventions for childhood seizures.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross- sectional survey conducted from 1st June to 31st December, 2021 among caregivers of patients in a Paediatric outpatient clinic.  Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to assess knowledge, attitude, and home intervention of childhood seizures. Data  were analyzed using SPSS 24 and results presented as frequency tables, percentages and charts. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results: Out of 218 respondents, the commonest source of information on childhood seizures was from friends and relatives  126(73.2%). Fever was the commonest known cause. Only 15(6.9%) recognized seizure as a neurological disorder. Jerking of the body and  clenching of the teeth were the commonest recognizable symptoms. The majority said seizures were contagious (176(80.7%) and children  with seizures should not go to school 187(85.8%). The overall knowledge score was poor. Negative attitudes included avoidance  19(8.7%), isolation from playing with peers (15(6.9%) and from the public 17(7.8%). Common interventions during seizures were putting  palm kernel oil in the mouth while only 25(29.4%) took the child to the hospital or laid him down away from harmful objects 25(29.4%).  The practice of home intervention for seizures was good in only 11(5.0%) of respondents.

Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude and first aid  home interventions for seizures were poor among caregivers in this study hence standard first aid management of seizures should be  taught in schools and the community