Primary School Managers' Knowledge of and Attitude towards Epilepsy among Children in Erbil City, Iraq

Objectives: this study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitudes of primary school managers regarding epilepsy among school children in erbil city, iraq. methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in primary schools between 18 june and 18 august 2013. a total of 80 primary school managers were selected to answer a questionnaire covering three domains: socio-demographical characteristics, knowledge of epilepsy and attitudes towards epilepsy. results: more than half of the participants (55%) had spent less than 10 years in school administration. more than one-third (37.5%) of the participants believed that epilepsy was an infectious disease, and over half of the respondents (53.75%) stated that epilepsy cannot be treated or prevented. conclusion: although the respondents' attitudes towards pupils with epilepsy were generally positive, their knowledge of epilepsy was imperfect; thus, an epilepsy education campaign is required. this should focus on the causes of epilepsy and its management.