Knowledge and Attitude towards Epilepsy First Aid among General Population in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Introduction: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder requiring appropriate first aid during seizures. This study assesses the knowledge and attitudes of Al-Baha region residents in Saudi Arabia regarding epilepsy first aid. Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 830 residents aged 18 and above in the Al-Baha region. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and surveyed using a validated online questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. The questionnaire collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, epilepsy-related knowledge and perceptions of first aid. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, Chi-squared tests and Student’s t -tests were used to evaluate the data, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Analysis revealed significant gaps in knowledge and varying attitudes towards epilepsy first aid among the participants. Key findings included that 52.7% of participants personally knew a patient with epilepsy, 62.5% believed a child could be in an epileptic attack and go undetected and 41.4% thought epilepsy is a lifelong disorder. Only 42.3% knew how to manage a child during an epileptic attack, and 12.3% had a high level of overall epilepsy knowledge. Nearly all participants (94.3%) believed first aid is important in epilepsy, and 90.8% thought the community lacked first aid awareness. While 60.5% had high knowledge about epilepsy first aid, significant misconceptions persisted. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for targeted educational programmes to improve knowledge and attitudes regarding epilepsy first aid in the Al-Baha region. Implementing programmes in schools, public health and communities support epilepsy awareness, reducing stigma.