Knowledge and Practice Toward Epilepsy and its Associated Factors Among Teachers, in Hossana Town Administration, Southern Ethiopia, 2020.

Introduction: Adolescents with epilepsy are highly stigmatized and discriminated in schools, more than 36% of children and 6% of adolescents with epilepsy have never attended schools, as a result of episodes of seizures, drop-out their education permanently.

Objective: To assess knowledge and practice toward epilepsy and its associated factors among teachers', in Hossana town administration, Southern Ethiopia, 2020.

Methodology: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from October 1 to 25/2020. A total of 338 samples size estimated for the study. To allocate a sample for each randomly selected school, proportionate to population size was applied. Finally, the study units were selected by applying a simple random sampling method. To test internal consistency for knowledge assessment questions reliability test (Cronbach alpha) was performed. Data was entered into Epi-Info software, considering variables that have statistical significance in bivariate logistic regression as candidate variable multivariable logistic regressions was done to identify determinants of teachers' level of knowledge and first aid practice.

Result: Totally, of 310 school teachers participated in the study which gave a respondent rate of 92%. Participants whose ages ranged from 21 to 69 years took part in the study, with a mean age of 33.69 (SD + 9.39) years. Based on the weighted scores, only 39.4% of participants had good knowledge whereas only 40.2% of participants gave at least one expected/appropriate first aid which was confirmed by cross-checked questions. Being female AOR = 1.65 (95% CI 1.05, 2.72), year of teaching experience AOR = 2.67 (95% CI 1.49, 4.81), and teachers who ever heard about epilepsy were 46% less likely knowledgeable and teachers who married 41.7% the higher first aid provision practices as compared their counterparty.

Conclusion: Teachers' knowledge toward epilepsy is lower than previous studies. Participants' years of teaching experiences, having awareness about epilepsy, and sex were found determinants of the school teacher's level of knowledge.

Recommendation: Clinical as well as community nurses should have look for and promote school communities and governing bodies to incorporate knowledge improvement activities in education curriculum.