Awareness and Knowledge of Medical Students about Epilepsy in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that affects millions globally and remains surrounded by stigma and misconceptions, particularly in some regions. Understanding medical students’ awareness and knowledge is vital, as they play a critical role in shaping future healthcare attitudes and practices. This study aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of epilepsy among medical students in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2024 involving 400 medical students from Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered online questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. The questionnaire covered demographic data, general knowledge, perceived causes, attitudes, and compliance with physician recommendations regarding epilepsy. Statistical analysis was performed using R software version 4.3.1, employing chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests to assess associations between variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The overall awareness of epilepsy was high, with 90.2% of participants reporting familiarity with the condition. Awareness was significantly associated with marital status (p = 0.014) and academic year (p = 0.001). Clinical year students showed significantly greater understanding of symptom variability (85.7% vs. 73.6%, p = 0.004) and the treatability of epilepsy (52.0% vs. 25.6%, p<0.001) compared to preclinical students. Despite high awareness, some stigma-related responses were noted, including hesitation about social interactions and misconceptions about the autonomy of individuals with epilepsy. Conclusion: Medical students in Makkah demonstrate a generally good level of awareness and knowledge about epilepsy, particularly those in clinical years. However, persistent stigma and gaps in understanding suggest the need for targeted educational interventions. Enhancing epilepsy-related content in the medical curriculum and promoting awareness through workshops and campaigns can further improve attitudes and preparedness in future healthcare professionals.