Awareness and Attitude of First Aid Seizure Management among Physiotherapy Undergraduate Students

Introduction: Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterised by intermittent, often unpredictable seizures with associated significant psychological and social consequences for everyday living. In Indian society there are various misconceptions and practices performed while an individual is having an epileptic seizure and social acceptance is poor and stigmatized. As healthcare professionals it is essential for physiotherapist to know the first aid management for seizure to prevent further harm caused by the episode. By increasing awareness prompt treatment can be administered, which will subsequently lead to better survival rates. This will help create further awareness in the society through physiotherapists

Methodology: Study design: Observational cross sectional study, study-set up: self made questionnaire via google forms, sample size is 200, inclusion criteria is physiotherapy undergraduates of 3^rd year, 4th year and interns. A validated questionnaire will be circulated, with prior permission, via google form to physiotherapy undergraduate students. Data will be analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS)

Results: Participants were in the age group of 20 to 24 of which Awareness towards First aid management is lacking as 35% agree to hold him or her and help to restrict movement during a seizure and 27% agree to insert a spoon or metal into his mouth. Attitude is neutral towards first aid seizure management.

Conclusion: The following study suggests that physiotherapy undergraduate students lack awareness of management and attitude is neutral towards first aid seizure management.