Abstracts

Rationale: Although epilepsy is one of most common neurological disorders in the US, there appears to be a significant knowledge gap in epilepsy compared to other illnesses such as autism and diabetes among youth. Many youths suffer from epilepsy and should be educated in the subject. In order to assess the general knowledge of epilepsy among youths, a questionnaire on epilepsy was given to youths. Methods: A questionnaire was compiled consisting of 10 questions and was sent out to 11th grade students. The first question served to evaluate if they had friends or family members with epilepsy. Depending on their responses, participants are divided into two groups. Remaining questions were divided into two categories: Knowledge about epilepsy Cause/Incidence (4 questions) and Prognosis/Treatment (5 questions). All 9 questions were multiple choice questions with 4 potential choices. The questions are as follows:Do you have friends or family members with epilepsy?Approximately how many Americans are diagnosed with epilepsy?What causes epilepsy?Among which age group is epilepsy most prevalent?Approximately what percent of cases of epilepsy can be controlled through medication?Does epilepsy go away as one ages?How long do epileptic seizures typically last?What part of the brain is most commonly associated with epilepsy?Approximately how many people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime?What is the most common cause of epilepsy among adults?Questions 2, 3, 4, 9, and 10 are categorized to Cause/Incidence questions while questions 5, 6, 7, and 8 are Prognosis/Treatment questions.  Individual responses were then compiled and analyzed to determine individual correct response percentages and average correct response percentages.   Results: Of the 75 students who received the questionnaire, 31 provided complete responses. Twenty five responded that they had no friends or family members with epilepsy (Group 1), while 6 responded that they did have friends or family members with epilepsy (Group 2).  The overall average correct response percentage for the 9 questions was 56.3%. Group 1 had an average correct response percentage of 44.2% while Group 2 had an average correct response percentage of 59.2%. The average percentage of correct responses for the Cause/Incidence questions for Group 1 was 40.0% while for Prognosis/Treatment questions was 50.0%.  The percent correct responses for Group 2 was 53.6% and 66.0% respectively for Cause/Incidence and Prognosis/Treatment questions.  The overall highest score was 100%, while the lowest score was 22%. Conclusions: Our survey study indicates thatthere are significant knowledge gaps in common understanding of epilepsy among youth. No significant difference was seen regardless whether youth had friends or family members of epilepsy or not, though the sample size was small. A larger study is needed to verify the study results but this study suggests epilepsy education should be further implemented among youths. Funding: There are significant knowledge gaps in common understanding of epilepsy among youth.