Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Towards Epilepsy: A South Indian Experience

Abstract Background: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, affecting nearly 50 million people worldwide. Despite increasing literacy and access to technology, misconceptions and stigma surrounding epilepsy persist. Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to epilepsy among caregivers of People with epilepsy (PWE) attending a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore. Methodology: Caregivers of patients with epilepsy attending the outpatient services of the neurology department of a tertiary care hospital were asked to complete a questionnaire with 25 questions regarding KAP regarding epilepsy. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: The study recruited 219 participants, with 70.3% male, and most had completed their graduation. 94.5% had heard of epilepsy, and 51% believed it was treatable with modern drugs. Misconceptions were common; 35.6% attributed epilepsy to supernatural causes, 14.2% linked it to sins, and 5% believed it was contagious. Ninety percent thought an epileptic child could study, 94.5% felt an epileptic individual could work, and 88.6% thought they could marry. 85.8% said they would disclose their daughters’ epileptic condition before marriage, 96.3% would take an epileptic person to the hospital, and 82.2% reported they would place keys in the hands of a person experiencing a seizure. Awareness of epilepsy increased with education, and graduates demonstrated more positive attitudes than less educated groups. Conclusions: Despite rising literacy and technological access, misconceptions and stigma regarding epilepsy persist in South India. Many individuals still attribute epilepsy to supernatural causes and adopt nonmedical practices. These findings highlight the need for targeted awareness programs to dispel myths and promote evidence-based management of epilepsy.