Knowledge about Epilepsy and its Associated Factors among Epileptic Patients at Health Facilities of Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia, 2017

Background: Knowledge is basic point for epileptics to adapt good qualities of life. In epileptics misconceptions ormisperceptions is common and this can put them to different psycho-social difficulties. Study showed epileptics haveno basic information about illness even they are on follow-up. Detecting misinformation and provision of appropriatecorrections is crucial to bring the optimal care. Few studies were conducted in Ethiopia to evaluate the knowledge ofepileptics. The current study evaluated the status of knowledge of epileptics about their illness in Bench Maji zone,south west Ethiopia.Materials and Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on 247 samples selected bysystematic random sampling from March 10 to April 10, 2017.Data were collected by interview through pretestedquestionnaires. Bivariate and multivariate logistics regressions were used to identify factors. The adjusted odds ratiowith 95% CI was used to identify the independent factors at P<0.05.Results: The response rate was 98.8%. 53.3% of respondents were found have poor knowledge about epilepsy.Patients’ monthly income, age at onset of epilepsy and duration of epilepsy were found to be factors associated withknowledge about epilepsy.Conclusion: Proportion of knowledge in patients was poor. Patients’ monthly income, age at onset of epilepsy andduration of epilepsy were found to be factors. Health care managers should design educational plan for patients andcare providers should intervene for epileptics through provision basic information about epilepsy.