Knowledge, readiness to help, and attitudes toward epilepsy: A comparative study among Palestinian university students in health and non-health majors

This study explored and compared knowledge, readiness to help, and attitudes toward epilepsy among Palestinian university students enrolled in health‑related and non‑health majors. A cross‑sectional survey was conducted among Palestinian universities students, using a validated questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge (8 items), readiness to help (4 items), and attitudes (10 items). A total of 449 students participated, nearly evenly distributed between health and non‑health majors. Students in health‑related majors scored higher in knowledge (57.5 ± 14.1 vs. 50.3 ± 17.2; p < 0.001) and readiness to help (82.6 ± 22.4 vs. 76.5 ± 26.5; p = 0.009), while non‑health majors showed more favorable attitudes (66.1 ± 10.4 vs. 63.7 ± 11.5; p = 0.021). Significant predictors of higher knowledge were female students (p = 0.037), health‑related majors (p = 0.035), and attendance at a course about epilepsy (p < 0.001). For readiness to help, higher scores were reported by health‑related majors (p = 0.009), those who witnessed a seizure (p = 0.028), and those who attended a course about epilepsy (p = 0.011). More favorable attitudes were observed among male students (p = 0.007), non‑health majors (p = 0.021), and those who attended a course about epilepsy (p = 0.010). These findings underscore the need for integrated educational interventions that combine factual instruction, empathy‑building, and advocacy training to reduce stigma and foster inclusive university environments.