"Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Misconceptions Regarding First Aid Management of Convulsions Among Neelain Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study" (Preprint)
Authors: Mohamed Noon 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

The background for this study underscores the importance of reliable sources of health information, highlighting the potential influence of personal biases on our understanding of health-related matters. First aid, crucial in preserving life and preventing deterioration of health conditions before advanced medical care, is essential knowledge for daily life. Seizures, disruptions in brain activity and neurohormonal interactions, can arise from various factors such as changes in ion concentration, drug withdrawal, or hypoglycemia. Definitions of terms like seizures, convulsions, and epilepsy are clarified to avoid confusion. Epilepsy, a common neurological condition, carries stigma, psychological effects, and significant costs. Regardless of seizure type, ensuring the safety of the individual during a seizure is paramount. This study aims to assess medical students' understanding and misconceptions regarding first aid management of convulsions.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the baseline knowledge of Neelain Medical Students regarding first aid management protocols for convulsions.
To evaluate the attitudes of Neelain Medical Students towards providing first aid assistance during convulsive episodes.
To identify prevalent misconceptions among Neelain Medical Students regarding the appropriate management of convulsions

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional survey with stratified random sampling study was conducted among 299 students at the faculty of medicine Neelain University. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire which was adapted from several research papers. Data analysis was done through the SPSS v.26 program.

RESULTS

The most common source of information on first aid management of convulsions was lectures in the university (26.8%) followed by self-study (22.1%). Most of the population never practiced first aid of convulsions (71.2%). Majority of the population experienced good practice (76.6%). Most of the population showed low level of misconceptions (73.6%).
Good knowledge was significantly higher among older age groups. Arranged as those older than 24 years (100%) followed by (22-24) (79.7%) then (19-21) (54.1%) and finally (16-18) (38.9%) (P<0.001). Year group associated significantly with the level of knowledge as the higher the educational level the more knowledge. (P<0.001). the source of knowledge which related to higher percentage of good knowledge was ward rounds and clinics (90.6%) followed by lectures in the university (80%) (P<0.001). Good Practice was significantly higher among older age groups. Arranged as those older than 24 years (100%) followed by (22-24) (87.0%) then (19-21) (68.1%) and finally (16-18) (50%) (P<0.001). Year group associated significantly with the level of Practice as the higher the educational level the better practice. (P<0.001). Good practice was more evident for those who attend ward rounds and clinics (90.6%) and those who received their information online (90.6%) (P<0.001). Good practice was evident for those who practiced in the street (100%) followed by hospital (75%), training program and then at home (66.7%) (P<0.001). The highest prevalence of misconception was among those who aged (19-21) (34.1%) and the least was among those who aged more than 24 (25%) (P<0.001). The highest prevalence of the level of misconception was among batch 23 (51.4%) while the lowest was among batch 19 (5.2%) (P<0.001). The lowest level of misconception was among those who practiced at hoe (75%) compared to those who practiced in the hospital (50%) (P<0.001). Good practice was associated with lower levels of misconception (77.3%) (P<0.001).
Higher Knowledge scores positively correlated with higher practice scores (r=0.353) (P<0.001) and knowledge score inversely correlated with the level of misconception (r=-0.207) (P<0.001). Positive attitude correlated positively with higher scores of practices indicating good practice (r=0.206) (P<0.001). and it correlated inversely with the level of misconception (r=0.124) (P<0.05). level of practice correlated inversely with the level of misconception (r=-0.123) (P<0.05)

CONCLUSIONS

This study was conducted to assess level of knowledge, attitudes, practices and misconceptions among medical students. In general, the study shows good level of knowledge about convulsions and positive attitude towards first aid management through all year groups. However, year group associated significantly with the level of knowledge as the higher the year group the more knowledge. This may be due to more exposure on first aid training/lectures/ clinical ward rounds in clinical years. The results also show good level of practice, however, only 33 (11%) have practiced first aid in a convulsing person. This low percentage of practice shows that more training programs should be taught throughout the study years. Although the study did convey low level of misconceptions (73.6%), it only correlates and translates into inadequate practice, knowledge related to practice; i.e. lack of exposure to the situation and simulations of providing first aid to a convulsing patient.