Societal perceptions of epilepsy and its effects on epileptic clients among people of Ayarkorase-Berekum.

Abstract

The study focused to determine the societal perceptions of epilepsy and its effects on epileptic clients among people of Ayarkorase-Berekum. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect in-depth information for the study. The sample population was obtained using a convenient sampling technique. The data for the study was collected by administering questionnaire to the participants. A total of 65 people were used for the study. The study found out that, majority of the students (89%) had knowledge about the causes of epilepsy. Majority of the respondents (59%) knew the causes of epilepsy to be natural and organic cause. Majority of the respondents (53%) indicated that they heard about epilepsy from the media. Majority of the respondents (62%) feel embarrassed when they get seizures in the midst of people. Majority of the respondents (77%) preferred orthodox medicine in the treatment of epilepsy. Majority of the respondents (86%) always take in their medicine. The study concluded that majority of the respondents feel embarrassed when they get seizures in the midst of people and most of the respondents indicated they would inform their employers about their condition for emergency purposes. It was recommended that there should be education conducted for people within the community on the effects of stigmatization on epileptic patients and epileptic patients should be encouraged to taken in the medication regularly to prevents episodes of seizure.