Abstract:
Epilepsy is a common neurological condition affecting primary school learners,
often leading to misconceptions, stigma, and limited social inclusion. These
misconceptions transpire because of a lack of knowledge regarding the condition
and may lead to high school dropouts. This systematic review aimed to evaluate
the effectiveness of epilepsy education programs on epilepsy-related knowledge
and understanding, values and attitudes, and skills among primary school
learners. A thorough search of electronic databases was conducted to identify
relevant studies published between January 2000 and September 2023. Studies
that satisfied the eligibility criteria were chosen, and two reviewers conducted
data extraction independently. A narrative synthesis approach was utilised to
analyse the findings. The review included 10 studies that satisfied the inclusion
requirements. The epilepsy education interventions varied in content, duration,
and delivery method. Findings indicated that diverse delivery methods, such
as classroom-based programs, hospital-based programs, and community centred interventions, effectively enhanced epilepsy-related knowledge and
understanding, values and attitudes, and skills among primary school learners.
This systematic review provides evidence that epilepsy education programs can
effectively enhance epilepsy-related knowledge, understanding, values, attitudes,
and skills among primary school learners. These findings support developing and
implementing comprehensive guidelines for teaching epilepsy in primary schools,
suggesting various delivery methods and integrating cultural values to promote
optimal learning outcomes and social inclusion for learners with epilepsy.
