Effect of a training program on the knowledge and attitude of special education trainee-teachers on epilepsy and seizure disorders in Oyo, Southwest Nigeria

Background: Children with Intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience seizure disorder therefore, their teacher's knowledge about epilepsy is important in case a student experiences seizure in school.Methodology: This study was conducted among 40 trainee-teachers.After completing baseline questionnaires on knowledge, attitude and first aid management of epilepsy, the participants received training on epilepsy for 2 hours per week for three weeks.Post intervention data was collected one week after the last intervention session.Results: Fifty percent had heard about epilepsy, 17.5% knew someone who had epilepsy and 40% claimed to have witnessed an epileptic seizure.The intervention resulted in statistically significant improvements in participants' knowledge of epilepsy (Pre-Post Mean = 6.43 vs 10.89, p = 0.001), more positive attitude towards persons with epilepsy (Pre-Post Mean = 10.68 vs 15.16, p = 0.001), and more awareness of first aid management of seizure (Pre-Post Mean = 3.42 vs 4.61, p = 0.001).About 87% of the participants indicated they were very satisfied with the training, 90.9% were willing to come for further training, and 72.7% would recommend the training to others. Conclusion:The epilepsy training improved the trainee-teachers knowledge, attitude and awareness of first aid management of epilepsy.This emphasizes the potential benefit of incorporating an epilepsy tailored intervention programme into teachers' training curricula.