The Impact of Epilepsy on Academic Performance of Epileptic Learners in Westlands Division Nairobi Kenya

ABSTRACT 

The researcher was investigating the impact of Epilepsy on academic performance epileptic learners. The design used was descriptive which was suitable because of its addressed major objectives and major objectives and research questions proposed in the study. The researcher used teachers from six schools in Westlands which were: Highridge primary, North Highridge, Oshwal Jahy special school Westlands Primary school, hospital Hill and Aga Khan special unit. The data collection instruments used were questionnaires. Based on the entire findings of the study, the researcher recommended that seminars and short courses for regular teachers should be organized. Public awareness and campaign in the region through chiefs barazas, workshops, church services by the special educators. The curriculum should be adjusted and adapted to meet the learner’s individual needs.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

DEDICATION

APPROVAL iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES ix

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF FIGURES

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE 1

INTRODUCTION 1

1.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION 1

1.1 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 1

1.2 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY 2

1.3 OBJECTIyES OF THE STUDY 2

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 2

1. 4.1 The epileptic child 3

1.4.2 To the parent 3

1.4.3 To the teacher 4

1.4.4 To the community 4

1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY 4

1.6 OPERATIONAL DEFINATION 5

CHAPTER TWO 6

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 6

2.1 HISTORY OF SPECIAL EDUCATION IN KENYA 6

2.2 DEF1NATION OF EPILEPSY 7

2.2.1 What is Epilepsy9 7

2.3 TRADITIONAL BELIEFS ABOUT EPILEPSY IN KENYA 8

2.4 CAUSES OF EPILEPSY 9

2.5 CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS 10

2.5.1 Genetic factors 10

2.5.2 Effects of Brain Maturation 10

2.5.3 Other precipitating factors 10

2.6 CONDITIONS CO-EXISTING WITH EPILEPSY 11

2.6.1 Cerebral Palsy 11

2.6.2 Mental retardation 12

2.6.3 Psychiatric problems 12

2.6.4 Behavior disorders 12

2.7 ACADEMIC IMPLICATION 13

2.8 PREVENTION 14

2.9 RESEARCH QUESTIONS 14

CHAPTER THREE 16

METHODS OF INVESTIGATION 16

3.O INTRODUCTION 16

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY 16

3.2 DESIGN OF THE STUDY 16

3.3 TARGET POPULATION 16

3.4 SAMPLING DESIGN PROCEDURE 17

3.5 METHODS USED TO COLLECT DATA 17

3.6 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY 17

3.6.1 Lack of co-operation 17

3.6.2 Resources 18

3.6.3 Time factor 18

3.6.4 Misconception of genuinity of the study 18

3.7 DELIMITATION 18

CHAPTER FOUR .19

INTRODUCTION 19

4.0 PRESENTATIONS AND ANALYSIS OF DATA 19

4.1 PRESENTATION OF DATA 19

CHAPTER FIVE 32

SUMMARY, DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION 32

5.0 INTRODUCTION 32

5.1 KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF EPILEPSY 32

5.2 ATTITUDES TOWARDS LEARNERS WITH EPILEPSY 33

5.3 THE IMPLICATION OF EPILEPSY IN LEARNING 33

5.4 TREATMENT AND MEDICATION OF EPILEPSY 34

5.5 TEACHERS EXPECTATIONS TOWARDS EPILEPTIC CHILDREN 34

5.6 RECOMMENDATION 34

5.7 SUMMARY/CONCLUSION 35

APPENDICES 37