PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Asiri, Nawal A.
AU  - Joubah, Mohammed A. Bin
AU  - Khan, Samar M.
AU  - Jan, Mohammed M.
TI  - Maternal knowledge of acute seizures
AID  - 10.17712/nsj.2015.4.20150340
DP  - 2015 Oct 01
TA  - Neurosciences Journal
PG  - 346--349
VI  - 20
IP  - 4
4099  - http://nsj.org.sa/content/20/4/346.short
4100  - http://nsj.org.sa/content/20/4/346.full
SO  - Neurosciences (Riyadh)2015 Oct 01; 20
AB  - Objective: To study maternal knowledge -of, and behavior during acute seizures.Methods: A cross sectional study conducted from September 2013 to January 2014 included consecutive mothers presenting at the Pediatric Neurology Clinics of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A structured 30-item questionnaire was designed to examine their demographics, knowledge, and behavior on acute seizures.Results: A total of 92 mothers were interviewed and 41% witnessed at least one acute seizure in their affected child (range 1-15 years, mean 4.5). Up to 26% felt not knowledgeable at all regarding the acute care and management of seizure. Mothers with higher education (college or university degree) were more likely to feel very knowledgeable (19% versus 11%, p=0.02). Only 10% were aware of an antiepileptic drug that could be used at home to stop prolonged seizures, and 35% mentioned that they would wait for 15 minutes before taking the child to the emergency department. Most mothers (93%) wanted more information. Those who felt strongly regarding that (66%), were more likely to be younger (<27 years) (p=0.01), and have at least 3 out of 7 mismanagement decisions (p=0.003).Conclusion: Maternal level of knowledge and behavior during acute seizures needs improvement. Many mothers have significant misinformation, negative behavior, and poor management practices. Increased awareness and educational programs are needed.