AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightHowever, the fact that a considerable proportion of final-year students still perceive their knowledge as insufficient highlights the need to strengthen practical and scenario-based first aid training within the medical curriculum.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the knowledge, attitudes, and self-perceived first aid competence regarding epileptic seizures between first-year and final-year medical students at our university. Materials and Methods: Voluntary students from Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Faculty of Medicine were included via an online survey. Data were collected through a questionnaire containing sociodemographic information and 27 questions related to first aid knowledge during epileptic seizures. The chi-square test was used for intergroup comparisons, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the participants, 56.9% were female, and no significant difference was observed in gender distribution between grades (p=0.809). The rate of having received first aid training was significantly higher among sixth-year students (72.0%) compared to first-year students (32.5%) (p<0.001). Similarly, the proportion of students who reported having knowledge about epilepsy was significantly higher in the sixth year (96.0%) than in the first year (78.0%) (p<0.001). In terms of self-efficacy, the rate of students who considered their knowledge sufficient was markedly higher in the sixth year (37.8%) compared to the first year (8.1%) (p<0.001). Interestingly, the rate of those who responded “I would immediately call 112” during a seizure was significantly lower in the sixth year than in the first year (p=0.010). Conclusion: Advancing medical education significantly enhances students’ knowledge and self-efficacy in managing epileptic seizures. However, the fact that a considerable proportion of final-year students still perceive their knowledge as insufficient highlights the need to strengthen practical and scenario-based first aid training within the medical curriculum.