Misperception about epilepsy among common public in Balochistan

Abstract Background of the Study: Epilepsy is a curable chronic neurological illness that is frequently associated to supernatural activity. Due to a lack of knowledge and awareness among the Common public. The objectives of this study were to determine common myths and misperception about epilepsy by analysing a comprehensive panel of variables in our local population. Methods: We conducted a face-to-face questionnaire interview survey in three different shopping malls 1000 people were randomly enrolled in this cross-sectional study at Quetta, Baluchistan, during the period of twenty-one august 2021 to 30 august 2021. Results: A total of 1000 people were interviewed among them 220(22%) were male and 780(78%) were female. People of all age group were included in the study. Out of thousand people 419 (41.9%) says epilepsy is brain disease, 488 (48.8%) responds its ghost attack, 23(2.3%) believes its psychosis. 980(98%) respondents had heard about epilepsy. The aspects of knowledge tested were on causes, types, and management of epilepsy. Forty-nine (4.9%) people believes that cause of epilepsy is head trauma, 488 (48.8%) said its Ghost attack, 67 (6.7%) said it’s because of evil eye, and 293 (29.3%) peoples believes that epilepsy is caused by Black magic. 928 (92.8%) who believed on domestic stunts such as sniffing shoes is effective in epilepsy. This result was much surprising because in this era of modern medicine and technology, still superstitious believes prevail among large population Conclusions: This study revealed a lack of awareness about epilepsy in Baluchistan, as well as the prevalence of both negative and favourable attitudes about Epilepsy. The study also emphasized to increase public awareness and epilepsy education initiatives to change public opinions and promote the use of standard epileptic treatment Keywords: Epilepsy, Attitudes, Knowledge