Epilepsy knowledge as an independent predictor of attitudes toward epilepsy among health services students: A cross‐sectional study

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide and is frequently accompanied by stigma and misconceptions. Negative attitudes toward individuals with epilepsy may adversely affect social integration, access to healthcare, and quality of life. Healthcare students represent future professionals whose knowledge and attitudes may influence both patient care and stigma reduction. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the relationship between epilepsy-related knowledge and attitudes among health services vocational school students and to determine whether knowledge independently predicts attitudes toward epilepsy. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students enrolled in a health services vocational school. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, an Epilepsy Knowledge Scale, and an Attitude Toward Epilepsy Scale. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of attitudes while adjusting for demographic and experiential variables. RESULTS: Higher levels of epilepsy-related knowledge were significantly associated with more positive attitudes toward epilepsy. In multivariate analysis, knowledge score remained the only significant independent predictor of attitudes, whereas demographic and experiential factors were not independently associated with attitudes toward epilepsy. CONCLUSION: Epilepsy-related knowledge appears to play a key role in shaping attitudes among health services vocational school students. Educational strategies aimed at improving epilepsy knowledge may contribute to reducing stigma and promoting more supportive attitudes among future healthcare professionals.