The pattern of knowledge, attitude, and practice of epilepsy in Bengali-speaking literate epilepsy patients in Kolkata

Background: A good knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) are lacking among epilepsy patients and the general public (even literates) across the world. As a result, a treatment gap is generated, and drug-resistant cases rise. Aims and Objective: This study aims to understand the misconceptions in KAP in the Eastern Indian Subcontinent among the local literate Bengali population and compare with other parts of India. Materials and Methods: A consecutive 104 epilepsy patients were enrolled in Kolkata city in 2017–2018 and interviewed with a validated Bengali KAP questionnaire, and their responses were noted and analyzed. Results: About 27% believe that epilepsy is a familial disease, whereas 26% believe that epilepsy is a mental problem. Misconceptions like epilepsy is a result of previous life sin (19.23%), contagious (7.6%) are prevalent. 78% thought epilepsy affects education of a person and 36% said that epilepsy patients cannot be employed. 76% thought that epilepsy creates a hindrance to normal life functioning. 76% believe that a person with epilepsy can have a normal married life, and 86% believe that people with epilepsy can have normal sexual relations. 60% thought that epilepsy patients are discriminated against in society. 89% would sprinkle water on the face, and even 18% would give a bunch of keys to the patient. 98% would allow their child to play with a child with epilepsy. Conclusion: We found regional differences in KAP misconceptions among epilepsy patients. The data emerging from this study can be incorporated to plan epilepsy awareness programs and formulate better management strategies.