Community Awareness of Childhood Epilepsy and Its Impact on Treatment Access in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria

Childhood epilepsy is a common neurological disorder associated with significant stigma and barriers to treatment in many Nigerian communities. This cross-sectional descriptive study investigates community awareness of childhood epilepsy and its influence on treatment-seeking behaviour in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. A total of 400 community members were recruited from urban and rural settlements in Lokoja, Ankpa, and Okehi local government areas through cluster sampling. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge of epilepsy causes and management, stigma attitudes, and awareness of available treatment options. The study found that 52.3% of respondents attributed epilepsy to supernatural causes, including witchcraft and spirit possession. Only 34.7% identified epilepsy as a medical condition treatable with conventional medication. Traditional healers were the first point of contact for 61.4% of families of affected children. Negative stigma was reported by 68.2% of respondents, with 43.5% indicating they would withdraw an epileptic child from school. Medical treatment was accessed by only 27.8% of children known to have epilepsy within the sampled communities. These findings highlight the profound influence of cultural beliefs and stigma on treatment access. Recommendations include community destigmatisation campaigns, training of community health workers to recognise and refer epilepsy cases, and integration of mental health and neurology services into primary care. Keywords: childhood epilepsy, stigma, community awareness, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria.