Assessment of Epilepsy Knowledge and Community Attitudes in Rural Plateau State

Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological condition in sub-Saharan Africa with significant treatment gaps, and community-level knowledge deficits and stigmatising attitudes are major barriers to treatment seeking. This study assessed epilepsy knowledge, attitudes, and social inclusion practices toward people with epilepsy in rural communities in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 adult community members selected through multistage sampling. A pretested structured questionnaire assessed knowledge of epilepsy causes, attitudes toward social inclusion in marriage, employment, and education, and willingness to render aid during seizures. Epilepsy knowledge was classified as adequate or inadequate, and attitudes were scored using a validated 20-item Attitude Toward Epilepsy Scale. Results showed that adequate knowledge of epilepsy was present in only 34.2 percent. Supernatural causation beliefs (spirit possession, witchcraft) were held by 61.5 percent. Negative social attitudes toward epilepsy were present in 67.3 percent, including objections to employment (58.5 percent), marriage (63.8 percent), and child-rearing (57.3 percent). Education level was the strongest predictor of adequate knowledge (OR 4.3; p < 0.001) and positive attitudes (OR 3.1; p < 0.001). The study recommends community epilepsy education programmes combining biomedical and cultural sensitivity approaches, engagement of traditional and religious leaders, and integration of epilepsy screening and treatment into PHC in Plateau State. Keywords: epilepsy knowledge, community attitudes, stigma, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria