Evaluation of medical faculty students' attitudes and awareness about epileptic and non-epileptic paroxysmal phenomena

Objective: To investigate the knowledge and attitudes of 4th, 5th and 6th grade medical faculty students at Balıkesir University Health Application and Research Center regarding epileptic and non-epileptic paroxysmal phenomena and to provide guidance in the light of this information. Materials and Methods: Similar studies in the literature were used in the design of this study. The study was conducted as a survey at Balıkesir University Health Application and Research Center, among 4th, 5th and 6th year medical faculty students who accepted to join the study. The survey questions used in the study were prepared by semiological features of seizures and revising the survey questions in similar studies in the literature. The survey consists of three parts in which information about the sociodemographic characteristics of the volunteers, the evaluation of the semiological characteristics of children in epileptic and non-epileptic paroxysmal events, and the evaluation of approach and attitude awareness to these events are investigated. Results: The number of students participating in our study was 304, 31.25% were 4th grade students, 33.88% were 5th grade students, and 34.8% were 6th grade students. 57% of the students were male and 43% were female. The average age was found to be 23.16±2.023 years. In our study, an average of 5.64 ± 1.60 correct answers were given to 9 questions investigating information about epileptic seizures, an average of 5.427 ± 1.04 correct answers were given to 7 questions about the ictal period in epileptic seizures, and an average of 5.769 ± 1.41 correct answers were given to 7 questions about the postictal period in epileptic seizures. It was determined that an average of 6.016 ± 1.62 correct answers were given to 9 questions asked about non-epileptic paroxysmal events, and an average of 9.256 ± 2.09 correct answers were given to 15 questions asked about psychogenic non-epileptic paroxysmal events. When the attitude and approach of all classes to epileptic and non-epileptic paroxysmal phenomena are evaluated, 61% of them know it completely, when looking at the dominance of all classes on non-epileptic paroxysmal phenomena in newborns, 15% know it completely, and when their command of non-epileptic paroxysmal phenomena in infants is investigated, 10% know it. When his mastery of non-epileptic paroxysmal phenomena in adolescents was evaluated, it was determined that 29% knew all of them. When the correlation study was conducted, it was concluded that correct answers given to each category significantly increased the rate of correct answers to other categories at the p<0.01 level. Conclusion: When compared to the rates of correct answers to questions about the ictal and postictal periods of epileptic seizures, it was observed that the level of knowledge about NEPO and psychogenic non-epileptic paroxysmal events was lower among all students. When the results are evaluated, it is seen that the students' attitudes are higher, but their mastery and knowledge are relatively insufficient. Considering these, we would like to state that the necessary precautions or training should be increased to increase both the knowledge, experience and awareness of future clinicians in order to be more equipped and that this is essential in minimizing risks such as incorrect treatments and delays in diagnosis. We think that seizures, epilepsy and non-epileptic events should be explained to students as a whole and it should be emphasized how important it is to distinguish between them in the clinic. Taking all these into consideration, we recommend that necessary studies be carried out to raise awareness. As a result, when the literature is examined, there is no study examining medical students' attitudes and awareness about epileptic and non-epileptic paroxysmal phenomena. Our study is the first and will be a pioneer for future studies. Key words: Epilepsy, psychogenic non-epileptic, paroxysmal, phonemena