Knowledge and Attitudes of Nursing Students Regarding Epilepsy in Türkiye: A Descriptive Study

Objective:This study was carried out to determine the knowledge and skills of nursing students regarding epilepsy. Method:This is a descriptive study, which was carried out between 11.10.2023 and 10.01.2024 at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University. Data were collected using personal information form, Epilepsy Knowledge Scale (EKS), and Epilepsy Attitude Scale (EAS). The sample of the study consisted of 585 nursing students. Results:The students had a mean EKS score of 10.98±2.69 and a mean EAS score of 59.01±7.55. There was a moderate positive correlation between the EKS and EAS scores of the students (p<0.05). The female students had significantly higher EKS and EAS scores than the male students (p<0.05). The EKS and EAS scores of the students did not differ significantly based on their class years (p>0.05). While there were significant differences in both the EKS and EAS scores of the students based on the education levels of their fathers, the education levels of their mothers were related to only their EAS scores (p<0.05). The students who knew someone with epilepsy and those who had witnessed an epileptic seizure had higher EKS and EAS scores (p<0.05). Conclusion:Nursing students had moderate levels of knowledge about epilepsy and positive attitudes toward epilepsy. To support positive attitudes toward epilepsy, various public information campaigns can be organized; and this issue can be given a larger part in nursing curricula, and education may be recommended to individuals with epilepsy and their families.