The attitude of teachers and high school learners towards epilepsy in Mankweng Area (Limpopo Province)

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the attitude of teachers and high school learners towards epilepsy in Mankweng area. Epilepsy is a common childhood neurological disorder, while school is the second most important social institution for the children after the family. Apart from their roles at school, teachers are also charismatic role models in their society which can help to eradicate the stigma and negative attitude towards epilepsy. The study determined the attitude towards epilepsy by using the epilepsy attitude scale which had four sub scales, the negative stereotypes, risk and safety concerns, role and work expectations, and personal fear and social avoidance. The study comprised of 292 participants, of which 169 (58.3%) were females and 123 (41.7%) were males. The results of the study indicated that high school learners tended to have a negative attitude towards epilepsy compared to teachers in Mankweng area. Participants scored negatively on the negative stereotypes and personal fear and social avoidance of the epilepsy attitude scale. The factor of cultural orientation, learning curve and exposure and non-exposure to epilepsy has shown to be dominant in the negative attitude towards epilepsy amongst the participants.