Knowledge, Perception, and Preparedness of Physiotherapy Undergraduate Students in First-Aid Seizure Management

Abstract

Background: Seizures are among the most common neurological emergencies, requiring timely and accurate first aid to prevent complications. Misconceptions about seizure management remain prevalent, even among healthcare trainees. Physiotherapy students, as future rehabilitation professionals, may encounter seizures in academic and clinical practice, highlighting the importance of preparedness. Objective: To assess the knowledge, perception, and preparedness of undergraduate physiotherapy students regarding first-aid seizure management. Methodology: This observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 undergraduate physiotherapy students aged 20 to 24 years, including those enrolled in the 3^rd, 4^th year, and internship/house officer programs. Ethical approval was obtained from the Departmental Ethical Review Committee of Isra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from multiple physiotherapy institutions across Pakistan to ensure diversity in the sample. Students from non-physiotherapy disciplines or those unwilling to participate were excluded. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire designed to assess knowledge, preparedness, and confidence in managing emergencies. The questionnaire was distributed online through Google Forms. All responses were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 22, and results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Most participants (94%) correctly defined seizures as abnormal brain activity, and 89.3% recognised key features such as unconsciousness, eye-rolling, and tongue biting. However, misconceptions persisted: 62.7% believed inserting objects into the mouth was appropriate, and 74.7% supported restraining the person. Correct practices included placing a soft object under the head (77.3%) and removing sharp objects (82%). Only 21.3% had received prior training, and 34% felt confident managing seizures independently. Alarmingly, 41.1% provided no appropriate response to prolonged seizures lasting over five minutes. Conclusion: Undergraduate physiotherapy students demonstrate satisfactory theoretical knowledge of seizures but lack practical preparedness and hold potentially harmful misconceptions. Integrating simulation-based training and structured emergency modules into physiotherapy curricula is essential to enhance seizure first-aid competence.