Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of caretakers towards Individuals with epilepsy in Punuatar Oyam district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/r3xvm698Keywords:
Epilepsy, Caretakers, Stigma, Traditional beliefs, Health-seeking behavior, Punuatar Oyam districtAbstract
Background:
In many African settings, including rural Uganda, epilepsy is often misunderstood and associated with myths such as witchcraft and contagion. These misconceptions contribute to stigma, negative attitudes, and poor practices toward individuals with epilepsy. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of caretakers towards individuals with epilepsy in Punuatar, Oyam District.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 80 adult residents of Punuatar selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to summarize findings.
Results:
The majority of respondents were aged 35–44 years (50%), female (68.8%), had primary education (40%), and were predominantly farmers (57.5%). Most respondents (75%) had heard about epilepsy, and 70% believed it could be treated with medication. However, 53.7% attributed epilepsy to witchcraft or evil spirits, and 75% believed it was contagious. Attitudes were moderately positive, with 57.5% comfortable living with individuals with epilepsy and 50% comfortable working with them. Despite this, 60% did not allow their children to interact with affected individuals, and 67.5% perceived them as dangerous. In practice, 40% preferred taking individuals experiencing seizures to traditional healers, and 68.8% had advised others to seek spiritual or traditional treatment. Additionally, 50% reported that medical treatment for epilepsy was rarely accessed in the community.
Conclusion:
Although awareness of epilepsy exists, significant misconceptions, negative attitudes, and inappropriate practices persist, contributing to stigma and delayed medical care.
Recommendations:
The Ministry of Health should strengthen community sensitization programs to address misconceptions. The District Health Office should improve access to epilepsy treatment and train health workers, while communities should promote inclusion and reduce stigma.
References
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2. Atim, L. M., Orach, C. G., & Opar, B. T. (2022). Community perceptions and stigma associated with epilepsy in rural northern Uganda. BMC Public Health, 22(1), 567–575.
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4. Ministry of Health, Uganda. (2020). National Guidelines for Management of Epilepsy. Kampala: Ministry of Health.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Justine Owor, Lamex Ogwal, Denis Obong, Ronald Awoi (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
