Knowledge and attitudes of preclinical and clinical medical students toward epilepsy: A cross-sectional study from Turkey

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the epilepsy-related knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy in medical students. In addition, these parameters were evaluated according to national geographic regions, preclinical and clinical characteristics. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, observational design and it was conducted among medical students in a centrally located city, Turkey. Participants were divided into two groups as preclinical (1st, 2nd and 3rd year) and clinical (4th, 5th, and 6th year). Structured questionnaires were used to evaluate knowledge about epilepsy and attitudes toward epilepsy. All items were converted into an online format. Results: In general, clinical students exhibited better knowledge about epilepsy than preclinical students (p = 0.001), however there was no statistical difference between groups in terms of attitudes toward epilepsy (p = 0.561). In the knowledge scale, the lowest rate was “Brain operation can be effective treatment in some patients” (43.9 %); and in the attitudes scale, the lowest rate was “I would marry someone who has epilepsy” (51.1 %). A weak negative correlation was detected between knowledge and attitudes scores (p = 0.027, r = -0.103). Scores in knowledge about epilepsy and attitude toward epilepsy were not difference in national geographic regions (p = 0.637). Knowledge score was higher in students who witnessed an epileptic seizure (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that medical students had insufficient knowledge, mainly about treatment in epilepsy. Negative attitudes, especially about marriage or dating, were detected. Students’ perceptions about epilepsy could be improved with training program. Medical regular curriculum should be reorganized about this line.