Volume 27, Issue 135, May 2023

Perception of Epilepsy among physiotherapy students and professionals: A cross sectional survey

Geeta Bhatt^1♦, Nalina Gupta², Hitav Someshwar³, Priti Mehendale⁴, Pankhuri Vairagade⁵

¹PhD Scholar, Department of Physiotherapy, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Piparia, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
²PhD Guide and Professor, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Piparia, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
³Physiotherapist, Department of Physiotherapy, BYL Nair Hospital, Mumbai, India
⁴Professor, Department of Kinesiotherapy and Physical Diagnosis, K J Somaiya College of Physiotherapy, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
⁵Assistant Professor, Department of Neuro Physiotherapy, K J Somaiya College of Physiotherapy, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

^♦Corresponding author
PhD Scholar, Department of Physiotherapy, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Piparia, Vadodara, Gujarat, India

ABSTRACT

Background: In developing countries like India, epilepsy and its sequelae are often seen as a social stigma. Physiotherapists form a part of the team treating patients with epilepsy. Hence this survey was undertaken to assess their knowledge, attitude and perception about epilepsy. Method: This study was a cross sectional survey carried out in the urban, semi urban and rural areas of Maharashtra. The epilepsy perception questionnaire was administered to physiotherapists in the age group 18-60 years through Google forms. Responses obtained were analysed using statistical test. Results: A total of 585 responded. Out of the professionals, 38% were post graduates (n= 222) and 21% were graduates (n=122). Whereas amongst the student population, 13% were pursuing post-graduation (n=77) and 28% were pursuing undergraduation (n=164). Post graduate professionals scored higher in knowledge and perception of epilepsy as compared to the others. Conclusion: Postgraduate professionals scored the highest indicating that a post-graduate degree and the number of years of clinical practice made a difference in the awareness, perception and knowledge of epilepsy.

Keywords: Epilepsy, social stigma, urban, rural, physiotherapists, perception

Medical Science, 2023, 27, e222ms2853

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi/v27i135/e222ms2853

Published: 12 May 2023