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Fong CY, Low P, Ng KH, Heng HS, Chong ASL, Ong LC, Yusof YLM, Adnan A, Li L, Lim WK. The effectiveness of epilepsy educational intervention using computer game-based epilepsy educational program (Epigame) among Malaysian children with epilepsy: A prospective cohort study. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 149:109536. [PMID: 38008017 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A computer game-based epilepsy educational programme (Epigame) can potentially improve the awareness, knowledge and attitude (AKA) and quality of life (QOL) of children with epilepsy (CWE). Our study among Malaysian CWE aimed to assess the: i) baseline level of epilepsy AKA and potential characteristics associated with poor levels of AKA, ii) effectiveness of Epigame in improving AKA and QOL of CWE. METHOD Prospective cohort study on CWE age 7-18 years old with no comorbidities. Epilepsy education was delivered using Epigame. CWE completed AKA questionnaire before (time point 1 [TP1]), immediately after (TP2), 3 months (TP3) after provision of Epigame. Child self-report Health-Related Quality of Life Measurement for Children with Epilepsy (CHEQOL-25) questionnaire was completed at TP1 and TP3. RESULTS Total of 106 CWE participated in this study (mean age of 13.3 years). Baseline (TP1) AKA was rated "very low to moderate" for awareness domain in 95.3 %, "very low to moderate" for knowledge domain in 67 %, "negative to indifferent" for attitude domain in 54.7 %, and "very poor to moderate' for total AKA score domain in 84 %. "Positive to very positive" for child attitude domain was significantly associated with parents with "positive to very positive" for attitude domain (OR 10.6, 95 % CI 3.23-34.66). "Good to excellent" for total child AKA domain was significantly associated with parents with "Good to excellent" for total AKA domain (OR 5.2, 95 % CI 1.16-15.02) and with < 2 antiseizure medication (OR 5.0, 95 % CI 1.34-18.98). The scores in the knowledge, attitude and total AKA score domains improved significantly after the introduction of Epigame at TP3. There were no significant improvements in the CHEQOL-25 scores over time except for the "Quest for Normality" subscale score (mean of score difference between TP1 and TP3 = 1.0, 95 % CI 0.19-1.81). CONCLUSION Majority of Malaysian CWE had low levels of epilepsy AKA, particularly among parents with "negative to indifferent" for attitude domain, parents with "very poor to moderate" for total AKA domain and on polytherapy. Introduction of Epigame was effective in improving scores of the knowledge, attitude and total AKA domains, and the QOL "Quest for Normality" domain of the CHEQOL-25.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choong Yi Fong
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Peiyi Low
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Paediatric Department, Sabah Women and Children Hospital, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Kher Hui Ng
- School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hock Sin Heng
- Paediatric Department, Sabah Women and Children Hospital, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Audrey Shuk Lan Chong
- Clinical Research Centre, Sabah Women and Children Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Lai Choo Ong
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yusma Liyana Md Yusof
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Paediatric Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Azirah Adnan
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Limin Li
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wei Kang Lim
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Houta S, Bader A, Effert J, Esser B, Henze J, Spaic A, Zocher F, Lauerer M, Surges R. Digital health applications in the self-management of epilepsy-A survey on patients' perspective. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:1288-1299. [PMID: 37438936 PMCID: PMC10690647 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Digital health applications can be prescribed since 2019 in Germany, which is likely to facilitate a broad use of epilepsy self-management applications, possibly directly connected to clinical systems via telematics infrastructures. This article reports on patients' interest in digital support for epilepsy self-management, influencing factors and patients' knowledge about digitization of health care in Germany. METHODS This work is based on self-reported data from 115 people with epilepsy participating in an anonymous online survey with a total of 54 questions covering several topics, including sociodemographics and epilepsy manifestation, use of technology in general and for treatment support, training programs, affinity for technology, knowledge on the digital infrastructure in Germany, and self-efficacy in dealing with chronic illness. The self-constructed questionnaire uses existing instruments like TA-EG, SES6G, and Hoffmeyer-Zlotnik sociodemographic questionnaire. To analyze the knowledge about digitalization in health care, a combination of self-assessment and knowledge quiz was used. The analysis was performed using descriptive methods and inferential statistics (t-test, reliability analysis, and correlations). RESULTS Participants were most interested in seizure alerting and documentation with the possibility to share documentation with physicians. The analysis of technology affinity showed medium enthusiasm, with positively perceived consequences being rated higher than the negatively perceived consequences of technology use. Knowledge on national health infrastructures was mediocre and training on this was judged to be essential and desired. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between interest in use and affinity for technology (enthusiasm for technology [r = 0.29; P = 0.00]) and positively perceived consequences of technology (r = 0.33; P = 0.00). SIGNIFICANCE Our results underline the high relevance of digital solutions for patients and the importance of individual training opportunities in digital health literacy, thereby enabling patients to decide competently for or against offered digital solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salima Houta
- Fraunhofer Institute for Software and Systems Engineering ISSTDortmundGermany
- Department of Computer ScienceTU Dortmund University DortmundDortmundGermany
| | - Alisa Bader
- Faculty of Law, Business and Economics, Institute for Healthcare Management and Health SciencesUniversity of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Jana‐Sophie Effert
- Klinisches Innovationszentrum für Medizintechnik Oldenburg KIZMOOldenburgGermany
| | - Birgitta Esser
- Department of EpileptologyUniversity Hospital BonnBonnGermany
| | - Jasmin Henze
- Fraunhofer Institute for Software and Systems Engineering ISSTDortmundGermany
| | - Alexandra Spaic
- Faculty of Law, Business and Economics, Institute for Healthcare Management and Health SciencesUniversity of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Feline Zocher
- Faculty of Law, Business and Economics, Institute for Healthcare Management and Health SciencesUniversity of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Michael Lauerer
- Faculty of Law, Business and Economics, Institute for Healthcare Management and Health SciencesUniversity of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Rainer Surges
- Department of EpileptologyUniversity Hospital BonnBonnGermany
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Lange S, Jeschke S, Pauschek J, Charisius M, Makiello P, Bertsche T, Neininger MP, Bertsche A. How do parents perceive their children's epileptic seizures? Experiences of the first seizure and changes during the course of the epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 148:109459. [PMID: 37806289 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM Experiencing a child's seizure can be challenging for parents. METHODS We investigated parental experiences of their child's first seizure and how their perception and management of seizures changed over time. From September 2020 to March 2021, we invited parents who had witnessed at least two of their child's seizures to take part in a semi-structured interview. Parents whose children experienced solely absence seizures were excluded. RESULTS Of the parents, 52/74 (70%) did not recognize their child's first epileptic seizure and assumed the event to be due to a different cause, for instance teething. Parents overwhelmingly reported fear (48/74; 65%) and surprise (13/74; 18%) as the predominant emotional responses to the first seizure. In response to the most recently observed seizure parents reported feelings related to fear (33/74; 45%) and happiness (16/74; 22%), with regard to the latter, especially "being calm" or "feeling safe". Asked for thoughts in response to the first seizure, 22/74 (30%) reported concerns about their child's future, with regard to the most recent seizure, 15/74 (20%) expressed such thoughts. Of the parents, 53/74 (72%) did not know how to respond to the first seizure. Concerning the most recent seizure, 48/74 (65%) said they felt confident in managing the seizure. CONCLUSION Experiencing the child's first seizure was very challenging for parents. During the course of the epilepsy, changes were observed in both parental perception of and confidence in managing the seizures. Physicians should consider these changes when counselling parents in order to better target their evolving needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lange
- University Medicine Rostock, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Department of Neuropaediatrics, Rostock, Germany; University Medicine Greifswald, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Department of Neuropaediatrics, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - S Jeschke
- University Medicine Rostock, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Department of Neuropaediatrics, Rostock, Germany; University Medicine Greifswald, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Department of Neuropaediatrics, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - J Pauschek
- University Medicine Rostock, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Department of Neuropaediatrics, Rostock, Germany.
| | - M Charisius
- University Medicine Rostock, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Department of Neuropaediatrics, Rostock, Germany; University Medicine Greifswald, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Department of Neuropaediatrics, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - P Makiello
- University Medicine Greifswald, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Department of Neuropaediatrics, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - T Bertsche
- Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University and University Hospital, Bruederstraße 32, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - M P Neininger
- Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University and University Hospital, Bruederstraße 32, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - A Bertsche
- University Medicine Rostock, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Department of Neuropaediatrics, Rostock, Germany; University Medicine Greifswald, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Department of Neuropaediatrics, Greifswald, Germany.
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Şahin Yıldız Y, Dülger H, Kasapoğlu ES. Web-based training for future healthcare professionals who will care for elderly individuals with epilepsy receiving home care: A quasi-experimental study. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 145:109285. [PMID: 37295314 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The need for home care for elderly people with epilepsy is increasing. This study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of the students and examine the effect of the web-based epilepsy education program given to health students who will care for elderly individuals with epilepsy receiving home care. METHODS This quasi-experimental study with a control group pre-post-test research design was conducted with 112 students (intervention: 32/control: 80) studying in the Department of Health Care Services (home care, elderly care) in Turkey. The sociodemographic information form, Epilepsy Knowledge Scale, and Epilepsy Attitude Scale were used for data collection. Web-based training in three two-hour sessions focusing on the medical and social aspects of epilepsy was applied to the intervention group in this study. RESULTS It was found that the epilepsy knowledge scale score of the intervention group increased from 5.56 (±4.96) to 13.15 (±2.56), and the epilepsy attitude scale score increased from 54.12 (±9.73) to 62.31 (±7.07) after the training. After the training; there was a significant difference in all items except the 5th item in the knowledge scale and the 14th item in the attitude scale (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE In the study; it has been found that the web-based epilepsy education program provided increases students' knowledge and develops positive attitudes. This study will provide evidence for strategies to be developed to improve the quality of care for elderly patients with epilepsy who are cared for at home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Şahin Yıldız
- Department of Home Patient Care, Vocational College of Health Services, University of Bartın, Bartın, Turkey.
| | - Hanifi Dülger
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bartın, Bartın, Turkey.
| | - Elçin Sebahat Kasapoğlu
- Department of Elderly Care, Vocational College of Health Services, University of Bartın, Bartın, Turkey.
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Alharbi RW, Kaki A, Tabassum S. Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention on Status Epilepticus Among the Caregivers of Children With Epilepsy: An Interventional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e40735. [PMID: 37485175 PMCID: PMC10361145 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Status epilepticus (SE) is one of the most common and well-known neurological emergencies in pediatrics, especially among kids under two years of age. Early identification and treatment are crucial in the prevention of neurological complications and morbidities. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention about SE among caregivers of pediatric patients with epilepsy. Methodology This interventional study was conducted among a convenient sample of 206 caregivers of pediatric patients with epilepsy in King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2020 to July 2021. We included patients who were aged 14 years or less and received rescue medication prescriptions in 2020. The educational intervention was applied to caregivers, and knowledge was compared before and after the intervention. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized. Results The mean (±SD) age of children was 7.5 (±3.7) years. The mean (±SD) age of caregivers was 36.4 (±6.1) years. About 51.5% of the children were males. The majority of caregivers were mothers (89.8%). The mean (±SD) score of total knowledge was 12.3/20 (±2.6) before the intervention which increased to 15.7/20 (±3.1) after the intervention, and the difference was found to be statically significant (p = 0.001). This indicates that the educational intervention was effective. Conclusions The educational intervention administered in this study significantly improved the knowledge of caregivers of pediatric patients with epilepsy and can help in providing better care to the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riyadh W Alharbi
- Pediatric Neurology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Ahmed Kaki
- Pediatric Neurology, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Sadia Tabassum
- Pediatric Neurology, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
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Leviton A, Patel AD, Loddenkemper T. Self-management education for children with epilepsy and their caregivers. A scoping review. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 144:109232. [PMID: 37196451 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Self-management education programs have been highly successful in preparing people to manage medical conditions with recurring events. A detailed curriculum for epilepsy patients, and their caretakers, is lacking. Here we assess what is available for patients who have disorders with recurring events and offer an approach to developing a potential self-care curriculum for patients with seizures and their caregivers. Among the anticipated components are a baseline efficacy assessment and training tailored to increasing self-efficacy, medication compliance, and stress management. Those at risk of status epilepticus will also need guidance in preparing a personalized seizure action plan and training in how to decide when rescue medication is appropriate and how to administer the therapy. Peers, as well as professionals, could teach and provide support. To our knowledge, no such programs are currently available in English. We encourage their creation, dissemination, and widespread use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Leviton
- Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Anup D Patel
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Childrens Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
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Turan FD, Yangöz ŞT. Effect of educational interventions on level of epilepsy knowledge in children with epilepsy and parents: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:1381-1397. [PMID: 35534992 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to synthesise the effect of educational interventions on the level of epilepsy knowledge in children with epilepsy and parents. BACKGROUND Educational interventions are commonly used to provide knowledge about epilepsy management. One of the most important responsibilities of nurses is to inform children with epilepsy and parents in a skilful way. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis based on PRISMA 2020. METHODS We searched CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of Science, Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, Springer Link, ProQuest, TR Index ending March 2021. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines. This meta-analysis was analysed in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3 software. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed with the Cochrane handbook. The results were the level of epilepsy knowledge of children and parents. RESULTS Ten studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis, including four randomised studies and six non-randomised studies. Educational interventions had large effect on improving the level of epilepsy knowledge in children with epilepsy (p < .001, Hedge's g = 1.19) and parents (p < .001, Hedge's g = 1.41). As a result of the subgroup analyses, significant differences were found only in the type of educational intervention. It was found that traditional education is more effective than technology-based education in improving the level of epilepsy knowledge in parents (p = .005, Hedge's g = 1.77). CONCLUSION Educational interventions have high and beneficial effect on the level of epilepsy knowledge in the children with epilepsy and parents; can be used as effective interventions in the epilepsy management. However, due to low number of randomised controlled studies, further high-quality randomised controlled studies are needed about this topic. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The findings will contribute to the use of educational interventions in the epilepsy management for health professionals, especially nurses. Thus these interventions will contribute to improving epilepsy management of children with epilepsy and parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma D Turan
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Şefika T Yangöz
- Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
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Zhang Q, Li W, Li E, Yang X, Hao N, Yan B, Zhou D, Hao X. Disease awareness and dietary habits of patients with epilepsy in western China: a cross-sectional study. ACTA EPILEPTOLOGICA 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s42494-021-00065-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The optimal management of epilepsy includes engaging patients through education on knowledge of the disease, its treatment and diet control.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional survey-based cohort study, aimed to investigate the awareness of epilepsy in Chinese patients and to understand their dietary habits. Participants were consecutively enrolled from epileptic patients treated in a single epilepsy center from October 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020. A self-reported questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.758) consisting of 3 parts was sent to 407 patients with epilepsy. The questionnaire included items on demographic information, epilepsy features, awareness of epilepsy treatment and dietary habits.
Results
About half of the patients (53.8%, 219/407) thought epilepsy was curable and only 80% knew that the first choice of treatment is medication. While 58.6% of the patients with low educational level preferred the use of antiepileptic drugs (p = 0.014), 52.7% believed that the medication should not be stopped immediately after seizure control (p = 0.026), especially after surgery (40.5%, p = 0.011). Patients with lower household monthly incomes had less awareness of the use of antiepileptic drugs than patients with higher incomes: only 39.2 and 49.8% of patients with lower incomes thought that the drugs could be stopped after epilepsy surgery or seizure control, respectively, compared to 51.6 and 66.1% with higher incomes. Alcohol (86.2%), caffeine (56.8%) and strong tea (49.1%) were top three foods considered by the patients to be avoided to prevent seizures. Approximately 30.2% of patients identified at least one food that made them susceptible to seizures.
Conclusions
Patient education on epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs and diet for management of seizures should be provided especially to patients with less education, lower income or inaccurate beliefs of epilepsy in Western China.
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Pediatric epilepsy and psychoeducational interventions: A review of the literature. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:108084. [PMID: 34107404 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
For many individuals, living with epilepsy is truly a family affair throughout the life span. When it comes to childhood epilepsy, the unpredictability of seizure patterns, comorbid conditions, the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), and societal stigma can be emotionally taxing on children and their primary caregivers. To this end, this article proposes to review psychoeducational interventions provided to primary caregivers of children with an epilepsy diagnosis and the impact of such interventions on general parental coping skills. There were three main themes identified (1) caregivers' knowledge and self-efficacy about seizure management; (2) parental epilepsy-related fears, anxiety, and stress; (3) parental sleep quality and SUDEP psychoeducation. Overall, considering research limitations, providing epilepsy-related psychoeducational interventions to primary caregivers of children with epilepsy seems to have promising evidence in the literature. After receiving such interventions, the studies show that caregivers' psychosocial outcomes improved; they become more empowered to manage their children's seizures and advocate for their children's psychosocial needs.
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Raman S, Wai Chang C, Ee Heng J, Wan Wong S. Impact of an Epilepsy Educational Programme on Coping Mechanism, Attitude, Knowledge and Awareness: A Rural Sabah Experience. MALAYSIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.21315/mjps2020.18.2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a disabling disease which has not been adequately emphasised as a public
health concern. Patients are often left in the dark about their disease, affecting their ability to cope and live a normal life. This study aimed to explore and evaluate the effects of a structured epilepsy education programme (EEP) on awareness, knowledge and attitude (AKA) and coping mechanism of patients. Recruited participants were required to complete the modified Malay AKA epilepsy questionnaire and Malay brief coping orientation to problem experienced (Brief COPE)-27. Upon completion, they received a structured EEP conducted by trained personnel using validated materials. Participants were then followed up for a period of 6 months and reassessed at 1, 3 and 6 months to measure any changes in their AKA and coping mechanisms. Twenty-two participants were successfully recruited. Total AKA score of participants showed a significant increase (mean score difference = 16.3, p = 0.021, 95% CI: 3.0, 28.1) at 6 months post-EEP. This improvement was mostly contributed by the increase in both knowledge and attitude scores. Religion was the most preferred coping mechanism (82.5%), followed by instrumental support, emotional support, active coping and acceptance at 75.0%, respectively. Only three domains showed significant differences after the educational programme: planning: 62.5% versus 77.5%, p = 0.026; denial: 57.5% versus 37.5%, p = 0.004; venting: 62.5% versus 52.5%, p = 0.004. The EEP was effective in improving attitude and knowledge while bringing about changes in coping skills of patients over a period of time. Educational programmes should be part of epilepsy standard of care, especially as they are inexpensive and brief yet impactful
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivaraj Raman
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Keningau, Keningau, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Chun Wai Chang
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Keningau, Keningau, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Jin Ee Heng
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Keningau, Keningau, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - See Wan Wong
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Tenom, Tenom, Sabah, Malaysia
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Tutar Güven Ş, İşler Dalgiç A, Duman Ö. Evaluation of the efficiency of the web-based epilepsy education program (WEEP) for youth with epilepsy and parents: A randomized controlled trial. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 111:107142. [PMID: 32702651 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When youth with epilepsy and their parents have insufficient information about the disease, they are known to have more problems with disease management, and they show poor compliance. Providing accurate, reliable, and accessible information with no time and space limitations is extremely important for individuals with epilepsy as well as for their caregivers. AIM In this study, we aimed to evaluate the content, quality, usability, and efficacy of our web-based epilepsy education program (WEEP) that we developed for youth with epilepsy and their parents. METHODS The sample of this randomized controlled trail was composed of youth with epilepsy who were between the ages of 9 and 18 years and their parents who had applied to the Pediatric Neurology Unit of a tertiary healthcare hospital in Turkey between November 2017 and April 2018. This study was conducted in two stages: (1) the preparation phase, during which we developed a WEEP for epilepsy, and tested its content, quality, and usability; and (2) the implementation phase, during which we evaluated the efficacy of the website by assessing users' knowledge of epilepsy, seizure self-efficacy, attitudes, and e-health literacy. Before the implementation phase, data collection tools were used to test the prior knowledge of epilepsy of the participants and control groups. Next, the youth and their parents were asked to use the WEEP for 12 weeks, while a control group was not provided with additional education tools. Written consent was obtained from the participants prior to the study in addition to obtaining approval from the ethics committee and permission from the institution where the research was conducted. The data were finally analyzed using SAS 9.4 software. RESULTS During the preparation phase, the website was developed and tested for content, quality, and usability. The WEEP was graded 72.7 ± 3.4 points by experts, 92.4 ± 1.63 by youth with epilepsy, and 92.31 ± 1.94 by the parents. During the implementation phase, the efficacy of the web site was evaluated through the assessment of participants' scores. We found that the mean knowledge, seizure self-efficacy, attitude, and e-health literacy scores of youth with epilepsy in the experimental group had significantly increased after the WEEP (p < 0.05). An increase in the scores of knowledge, anxiety, self-management, and e-health literacy scale was also found among the parents in the intervention group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The content, quality, and usability of the WEEP were adequate and effective in improving knowledge, self-efficacy, attitudes, and e-health literacy of youth with epilepsy as well as those of their parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şerife Tutar Güven
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey.
| | - Ayşegül İşler Dalgiç
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Özgür Duman
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
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Braga P, Mifsud J, D'Souza C, Clarke M, Honein A, Tovuudorj A, Pfäfflin M. Education and epilepsy: Examples of good practice and cooperation. Report of the IBE Commission on Education. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 103:106653. [PMID: 31761687 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Education for patients, for families, for professionals, and for officials is one of the most important tools for improving knowledge about epilepsy and fighting discrimination. There are many educational initiatives worldwide, but they are often known only at a local level. Studies on epilepsy educational programs are rare and therefore published to a limited extent. The newly established International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) Education Commission enforces the exchange of educational activities and best practices, discussing education content and topics, target groups, and their educational needs, timing, tutors, and funding. A brief review of examples of all continents will be given. The needs for studies and for more exchange and closer cooperation will be addressed with proposals for further actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Braga
- Neurological Institute, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Janet Mifsud
- Dep. of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Univ. of Malta Msida, Malta
| | | | - Marina Clarke
- National Office Epilepsy, IBE Chapter, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Arlette Honein
- AVANCE - School and Association for children with epilepsy and special needs, Lebanon
| | - Avirmed Tovuudorj
- Dep. of Neurology, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Mongolia
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Kinkar A, Alqarni D, Alghamdi A, Wali S, Alghamdi N, Saloom S, Aashi M. Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Toward Their Epileptic Children at King Abdulaziz University Hospital: Cross-Sectional Study. Interact J Med Res 2020; 9:e12697. [PMID: 31958065 PMCID: PMC6997923 DOI: 10.2196/12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epilepsy is a chronic disease characterized by periodic seizures that result from abnormal integrated firing impulses in the brain. It is one of the most common neurological disorders. Over the past few years, there has been increasing awareness about the effect that having a child with epilepsy has on parents and the reciprocal impact of parental knowledge and attitudes regarding epilepsy on the affected child. Objective This study aimed to assess parental knowledge, attitudes, and behavior toward their epileptic children. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 by the Pediatric Neurology Department of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A sample size of 115 of 332 parents who have a child diagnosed with epilepsy and aged 18 years or younger were recruited for this study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Data analysis was performed using an independent t test, a chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, and correlation analysis. Results A total of 115 participants answered the questionnaire; of these, 65 (56.5%) were men, with an average age of 40.3 years, and the mean age of the children was 9.0 years. Overall, 85 (85/115, 73.9%) children were taken care of by both of their parents. The mean parental knowledge score was 7.49 (SD 2.08) out of 12, and it was significantly related to the educational level of the parent (P=.004). The knowledge question that was most frequently answered incorrectly was “Diagnosis of epilepsy is usually made based on at least two unprovoked seizures.” As only 28.7% (33/115) of participants chose the correct answer, mean parental attitude score was 26.51 (SD 4.284) out of 35, and there was no significant relation with the educational level of parents (P=.13); however, it was negatively correlated with the child’s age (P=.045). Mean parental behavioral score was 23.35 (SD 4.121) out of 35, and there was no significant relation with the educational level of the parents (P=.24). The most negatively answered question for the behavior section was “I can leave my child without supervision,” with a mean score of 2.25 (SD 1.09) out of 5. Gender did not play a significant role in parental knowledge, attitudes, or behavior (P=.44, P=.77, and P=.99, respectively). Conclusions Parental knowledge in our sample still needs improvement. Therefore, more awareness campaigns should be made for the community and for the parents of affected children to create a supportive environment for the children and help them thrive and develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulelah Kinkar
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalya Alqarni
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Sahal Wali
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser Alghamdi
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Saloom
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mooataz Aashi
- Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Zheng Y, Ding X, Guo Y, Chen Q, Wang W, Zheng Y, Wang S, Ding Y, Ding M. Multidisciplinary management improves anxiety, depression, medication adherence, and quality of life among patients with epilepsy in eastern China: A prospective study. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 100:106400. [PMID: 31634729 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a multidisciplinary program on anxiety, depression, medication adherence, and quality of life in patients with epilepsy in eastern China. METHODS A cohort of 184 patients with epilepsy from the epilepsy clinic of a tertiary hospital in eastern China completed this program, out of which 92 were randomized into the intervention group and 92 the control group. Patients in both groups received standard antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), while those of the intervention group received an additional 12-month multidisciplinary program developed by a group of the epileptologist, pharmacist, psychiatrist, and epilepsy specialist nurse. Patients were assessed both before and after the 12-month period. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) were used to assess the severity of depression, anxiety, and medication adherence, respectively, along with Quality of life in Epilepsy-31 (QOLIE-31) and self-reported seizure frequency for life quality and seizure severity. RESULTS The 12-month multidisciplinary program significantly reduced the number of patients with severe depression (p = 0.013) and anxiety (p = 0.002), increased the number of patients with moderate-to-high AED adherence (p = 0.006) and the overall QOLIE-31 score (p < 0.001) in the intervention group. Both groups demonstrated a significant increase in the number of patients with a low seizure frequency after the 12-month period (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The 12-month multidisciplinary program offers an effective management strategy in improving psychiatric comorbidities, medication adherence, and quality of life in patients with epilepsy in eastern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ding
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310009, China.
| | - Qiaozhen Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Weijun Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Yao Ding
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
| | - Meiping Ding
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310009, China
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Fong CY, Seet YH, Ong LC, Lim WK, Lua PL. Improving awareness, knowledge, and attitude among Malaysian parents of children with epilepsy using an Interactive Animated Epilepsy Education Programme (IAEEP). Epilepsy Behav 2019; 94:52-58. [PMID: 30884408 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An information technology (IT)-based epilepsy educational program, the Interactive Animated Epilepsy Education Programme (IAEEP), can potentially help improve awareness, knowledge, and attitude (AKA) of parents of children with epilepsy (CWE) enabling CWE to lead a normal life. Our study aimed to assess the following: i) baseline level of epilepsy AKA of Malaysian parents of CWE and explore potential characteristics associated with low levels of AKA; ii) effectiveness of the IAEEP in improving parental AKA, and whether these effects remained stable over time; and iii) effects of the IAEEP on parental mental state and perception of their child's quality of life. METHODS This prospective study includes parents of CWE aged 8-18 years old with no comorbidities. Epilepsy education was delivered using the IAEEP. Parents completed an AKA questionnaire before (time point 1 [TP1]), immediately after (TP2), and 4-6 months (TP3) after the provision of IAEEP. Parent proxy report of Health-Related Quality of Life Measurement for Children with Epilepsy (CHEQOL)-25 questionnaire and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS)-21 questionnaire was completed at TP1 and TP3. RESULTS A total of 78 parents participated in the study. At baseline (TP1), parental responses were rated as "moderate" for awareness domain, "high" for knowledge domain, "very positive" for attitude domain, and "good" for total AKA score domain. No epilepsy or parental characteristics were associated with the low baseline parental AKA levels. After IAEEP intervention, there was a significant increase in all AKA subdomain scores. Post-IAEEP, the AKA of parents were rated as "very high" for awareness domain, "very high" for knowledge domain, "very positive" for attitude domain, and "excellent" for total AKA domain at both TP2 and TP3. Parent proxy CHEQOL-25 report showed significant increments in interpersonal/social and secrecy scale scores between TP1 and TP3. There were no significant differences in the DASS-21 scores between TP1 and TP3. CONCLUSION The IAEEP is an effective epilepsy educational tool to increase the levels of AKA among parents of CWE. Following the use of the IAEEP, parents of CWE also reported an improvement of their child's quality of life in the interpersonal/social and epilepsy secrecy CHEQOL-25 domains. There was no impact on parental mental health following exposure to the IAEEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choong Yi Fong
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Yee Hong Seet
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Paediatric Department, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Lai Choo Ong
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wei Kang Lim
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pei Lin Lua
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
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Camfield PR, Andrade D, Camfield CS, Carrizosa-Moog J, Appleton R, Baulac M, Brown L, Menachem EB, Cross H, Desguerre I, Grant C, Hosny H, Jurasek L, Mula M, Pfäfflin M, Rheims S, Ring H, Shellhaas RA, Vinayan KP, Wirrell E, Nabbout R. How can transition to adult care be best orchestrated for adolescents with epilepsy? Epilepsy Behav 2019; 93:138-147. [PMID: 30642688 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective evidence is limited for the value of transition programs for youth with chronic illness moving from pediatric to adult care; however, such programs intuitively "make sense". We describe the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of transition programs from around the world for adolescents with epilepsy. Consequences of poorly organized transition beyond suboptimal seizure control may include an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), poor psychological and social outcome, and inadequate management of comorbidities. The content of transition programs for those with normal intelligence differs from those with intellectual disability, but both groups may benefit from an emphasis on sporting activities. Concerns that may interfere with optimal transition include lack of nursing or social work services, limited numbers of adult neurologists/epileptologists confident in the treatment of complex pediatric epilepsy problems, institutional financial support, and time constraints for pediatric and adult physicians who treat epilepsy and the provision of multidisciplinary care. Successful programs eventually need to rely on a several adult physicians, nurses, and other key healthcare providers and use novel approaches to complex care. More research is needed to document the value and effectiveness of transition programs for youth with epilepsy to persuade institutions and healthcare professionals to support these ventures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter R Camfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Danielle Andrade
- Krembil Neurosciences Epilepsy Genetics Program, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carole S Camfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jaime Carrizosa-Moog
- Pediatric Department - Adolescent Service, University of Antioquia School of Medicine, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Richard Appleton
- Department of Neurology, Alder Hey Children's Health Park, Liverpool, UK
| | - Michel Baulac
- Hopital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, Paris, France
| | - Lawrence Brown
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eleonor Ben Menachem
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Helen Cross
- University College London, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Isabelle Desguerre
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Institut Imagine (INSERM UMR 1163), Paris, France
| | - Christina Grant
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hassan Hosny
- Neurology Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Laura Jurasek
- Stollery Childrens Hospital and the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marco Mula
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, London, UK; The Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Sylvain Rheims
- Department of Functional Neurology and Epileptology, Hospices Civils de Lyon and University of Lyon, Lyon, France; Lyon's Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Lyon, France
| | - Howard Ring
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Trust, UK
| | - Renée A Shellhaas
- Department of Pediatrics & Communicable Diseases, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - K P Vinayan
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | - Elaine Wirrell
- Divisions of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Institut Imagine (INSERM UMR 1163), Paris, France
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17
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Willems LM, Kondziela JM, Knake S, Schulz J, Neif B, Schade B, Gerlinger S, Neubauer BA, Brunst B, Schubert-Bast S, Fuchs S, Staab-Kupke H, Kniess T, Rosenow F, Strzelczyk A. Counseling and social work for people with epilepsy in Germany: A cross-sectional multicenter study on demand, frequent content, patient satisfaction, and burden-of-disease. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 92:114-120. [PMID: 30654230 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of epilepsy is accompanied by relevant personal, interpersonal, and professional restrictions for patients and their caregivers. Specialized epilepsy counseling services (ECS) have been introduced to inform, advise, and support patients with disease-related problems. AIM AND SCOPE The objective of this cross-sectional, multicenter study was to determine the demand, typical content, and outcomes of ECS in children, adolescents, and adults in two adjacent German regions of Hessen and Lower Franconia. All ECS sites in these regions participated in 2014 and 2015, offering a total population of 7.5 million inhabitants. RESULTS A total number of 435 patients [323 adults (74.3%), 51.7% female, mean age: 40.3 ± 14.7 years and 112 children/adolescents (25.7%), 52.7% female, mean age: 9.4 ± 4.6 years] were enrolled at six ECS sites. The most common reasons for counseling were general information needs (n = 304; 69.9%), administrative help (n = 208; 47.8%), problems with education or work (n = 176; 40.5%), and recreational activities (n = 119; 27.3%). In addition, 6.2% reported epilepsy-related questions on family planning as a specific reason for desiring counseling. Recommendation by the treating physicians was the most frequent reason for receiving counseling through ECS (62.5%), and most patients preferred to receive a personal consultation (73.1%). Patient satisfaction as measured by the ZUF-8 client satisfaction score was high with a mean of 29.7 points (standard deviation: ±2.7 points, median: 29.9 points), and 83.9% of patients said they would recommend ECS. Disease-related job loss or change in school was avoided in 72% of 82 patients. Suggestions for improvement of ECS included an extension of service hours (58.6%) and a better availability of more sites located nearby (32.8%). CONCLUSION Epilepsy counseling services are necessary, valued, and effective institutions for people with epilepsy complementing outpatient and inpatient care. To improve the care for people with epilepsy, access to and availability of ECS should be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent M Willems
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jacqueline M Kondziela
- Epilepsy Center Hessen, Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany
| | - Susanne Knake
- Epilepsy Center Hessen, Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany
| | - Juliane Schulz
- Epilepsy Center Hessen, Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany
| | - Birgit Neif
- Department of Neurology, Hephata-Klinik, Schwalmstadt-Treysa, Germany
| | - Bernd Schade
- Department of Neurology, Hephata-Klinik, Schwalmstadt-Treysa, Germany
| | - Stefan Gerlinger
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Bernd A Neubauer
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Brunst
- Epilepsy Counseling Diakonisches Werk Hochtaunus, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Simone Fuchs
- Epilepsy Counseling Unterfranken, Stiftung Juliusspital, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Kniess
- Department of Neurology, Campus Rhön Klinikum AG, Bad Neustadt a.d. Saale, Germany
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Epilepsy Center Hessen, Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany.
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18
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Kondziela JM, Schulz J, Brunst B, Fuchs S, Gerlinger S, Neif B, Staab-Kupke H, Vasileiadis S, Brodisch P, Knake S, Kniess T, Schade B, Neubauer BA, Rosenow F, Schubert-Bast S, Strzelczyk A, Willems LM. [Acceptance, demand, reasons for consultation and outcome of counseling on epilepsy in Hesse and Lower Franconia]. DER NERVENARZT 2019; 90:832-839. [PMID: 30694366 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-019-0676-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The diagnosis of epilepsy is often accompanied by relevant restrictions for patients, which may result in disease-specific daily problems that need targeted and professional counseling. Specialized epilepsy counseling services (ECS) were introduced in some German states since 1996 to provide an additional and independent service for epilepsy-related problems. The objective of this prospective, multicenter cohort study at six ECS was to determine and analyze the acceptance, demand and frequent reasons for consultation in Hesse and Lower Franconia. RESULTS A total of 435 clients were enrolled during the 12-month observation period (June 2014-May 2015) of which 74.3% were adults (n = 323, mean age 40.3 ± 14.7 years, range 18-76 years, 51.7% female) and 25.7% children and adolescents (n = 112, mean age 9.4 ± 4.8 years, range 1-17 years, 52.7% female). The mean number of outpatient consultations per year was 2.5 (median 2.0, SD ± 2.8, range 1-20), whereby a general counseling on dealing with epilepsy (adults 55.7%, children and adolescents 51.8%), clarification and information about the disease (43.7% and 41.1%, respectively) and assistance in applying for support (39.0% and 46.4%, respectively) were the most frequent issues. The distance from the place of residence to the ECS was significantly shorter in Lower Franconia compared to Hesse (p < 0.002). Client satisfaction was high with a mean patient satisfaction questionnaire (ZUF-8) score of 29.0 (maximum score 32). Overall 96.4% of the clients rated the quality of counseling as good or very good and 96.6% would consider consulting the ECS again in case of new problems. In cases of threatened workplace, training position or situation at school, counseling helped to avoid negative consequences in 72.0% of cases. CONCLUSION The ECS are frequently used, appreciated and effective institutions for adults and children with epilepsy as well as for their caregivers. The ECS complements the existing comprehensive specialized outpatient and inpatient care for epilepsy in Germany; however, in view of their limited numbers and inhomogeneous allocation, the number and the availability of ECS should be expanded on the national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline M Kondziela
- Epilepsiezentrum Hessen und Klinik für Neurologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - Juliane Schulz
- Epilepsiezentrum Hessen und Klinik für Neurologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - Bernhard Brunst
- Epilepsieberatung Diakonisches Werk Hochtaunus, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Simone Fuchs
- Epilepsieberatung Unterfranken, Stiftung Juliusspital, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Stefan Gerlinger
- Abteilung für Kinderneurologie und Sozialpädiatrie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Deutschland
| | - Birgit Neif
- Klinik für Neurologie, Hephata-Klinik, Schwalmstadt-Treysa, Deutschland
| | - Henrike Staab-Kupke
- Epilepsieberatung Unterfranken, Stiftung Juliusspital, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Silke Vasileiadis
- Epilepsiezentrum Hessen und Klinik für Neurologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - Peter Brodisch
- Epilepsieberatung, Innere Mission München, Diakonie in München und Oberbayern e. V., München, Deutschland
| | - Susanne Knake
- Epilepsiezentrum Hessen und Klinik für Neurologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - Tobias Kniess
- Klinik für Neurologie, Campus Rhön Klinikum AG, Bad Neustadt a.d. Saale, Deutschland
| | - Bernd Schade
- Klinik für Neurologie, Hephata-Klinik, Schwalmstadt-Treysa, Deutschland
| | - Bernd A Neubauer
- Abteilung für Kinderneurologie und Sozialpädiatrie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Deutschland
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsiezentrum Frankfurt Rhein-Main, Zentrum der Neurologie und Neurochirurgie, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsiezentrum Frankfurt Rhein-Main, Zentrum der Neurologie und Neurochirurgie, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland.,Schwerpunkt Neurologie, Neurometabolik, und Prävention der Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsiezentrum Hessen und Klinik für Neurologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland. .,Epilepsiezentrum Frankfurt Rhein-Main, Zentrum der Neurologie und Neurochirurgie, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland.
| | - Laurent M Willems
- Epilepsiezentrum Frankfurt Rhein-Main, Zentrum der Neurologie und Neurochirurgie, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
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19
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Jones C, Atkinson P, Memon A, Dabydeen L, Das KB, Cross JH, Gillberg C, Neville BGR, Scott RC, Reilly C. Experiences and needs of parents of young children with active epilepsy: A population-based study. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 90:37-44. [PMID: 30500487 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences and needs of parents of young children with epilepsy from a total population sample. The parents (mothers (n = 38), fathers (n = 9)) of 40/53 (75% of total population) young children (1-7 years; 23 males, 17 females) with 'active' epilepsy (had a seizure in the last year or taking Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs)) were interviewed either in person or over the telephone using a semistructured interview schedule. The families were resident in the south of the UK. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis. Thematic analysis revealed six main themes: diagnostic journey, parental perception of epilepsy management, awareness and impact of associated neurobehavioral difficulties, inconsistent availability of therapeutic and educational supports, impact on family functioning, and need for parental support. Parents reported often having difficulty accessing a professional knowledgeable about epilepsy. While parents were generally satisfied with the initial information they received about seizures and their management, they reported that the association between epilepsy and neurobehavioral issues was often not broached. These developmental/behavioral difficulties often had a bigger impact on child wellbeing and family functioning, but provision of therapeutic and educational supports for the difficulties was often very patchy. Parents noted that early onset epilepsy and associated neurobehavioral difficulties often have a very significant impact on family functioning including increased restrictions on family activities and increased financial burden. Parents would like informational and emotional support to extend beyond the time of epilepsy diagnosis. There is a clear need for comprehensive childhood epilepsy services to include provision for identification and management of child neurobehavioral needs and a focus on family-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Jones
- Research Department, Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Patricia Atkinson
- Child Development Centre, Crawley Hospital, West Green Drive, Crawley, RH11 7DH West Sussex, UK
| | - Ayesha Memon
- Child Development Centre, Crawley Hospital, West Green Drive, Crawley, RH11 7DH West Sussex, UK
| | - Lyvia Dabydeen
- Research Department, Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, UK
| | - Krishna B Das
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - J Helen Cross
- Research Department, Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg, Kungsgatan 12, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christopher Gillberg
- Research Department, Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg, Kungsgatan 12, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Brian G R Neville
- Research Department, Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg, Kungsgatan 12, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rod C Scott
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK; Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Colin Reilly
- Research Department, Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
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Exploring the needs and challenges of parents and their children in childhood epilepsy care: A qualitative study. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 88:268-276. [PMID: 30321756 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Because of the nature of epilepsy, and the unpredictability of seizure recurrence, epilepsy requires long-term treatment with medications. As a consequence, epilepsy has a negative pervasive impact in children with epilepsy (CWE), and their parents. Hence, our aim was to explore the needs and challenges of parents and their CWE. In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with 15 families (12 mothers and 3 fathers) and 15 CWE (aged 8-18 years). Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using the descriptive phenomenology approach. The experiences of parents and their CWE could be divided into two time frames: "experiences during a child's first seizure" and "experiences whilst growing up with epilepsy". Parents' main concerns and worries were regarding their child's physical health, psychological and emotional wellbeing, academic achievement, and future. The children's main concerns were restrictions imposed, their interpersonal relationship with peers, and being independent in the future. Parents reported that they needed epilepsy-related information, continuity of care, and a parental support group, while CWE reported that their main needs were independence and autonomy. The views of parents and their child with epilepsy were similar in physical functioning and academic achievement. However, parents and children had different views on how epilepsy impacted on the child emotionally, as well as behavioral and interpersonal relationship with peers.
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Hagemann A, Pfäfflin M, Nussbeck FW, May TW. Psychometric evaluation of the Epilepsy-related Fears in Parents Questionnaire. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 83:201-206. [PMID: 29723797 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the article was to examine the psychometric properties of the Epilepsy-related Fears in Parents Questionnaire (EFPQ). METHOD Internal consistency, factor structure, and construct validity were analyzed based on data from 291 parents participating in the baseline assessment of a quasi-experimental study on the efficacy of the FAMOSES (modulares Schulungsprogramm Epilepsie für Familien) parents' program. The control group of this study was used to calculate the test-retest reliability, while the responsiveness of the questionnaire was evaluated by comparing matched groups of FAMOSES participants and control parents. RESULTS An exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors of epilepsy-related fears, "Fears about short-term consequences of the child's epilepsy" (8 items) and "Fears about the future development of the child and the child's epilepsy" (9 items). Both showed good reliability (Cronbach's α=.89 and .91, resp.; test-retest reliability: ICC=.77 and .80, resp.), and construct validity was confirmed by correlations with epilepsy-related variables and psychosocial outcomes, e.g., with the Impact on Family Scale (r=.48 and .61, resp.). The FAMOSES parents' program significantly reduced epilepsy-related fears (p<.05 for both subscales). CONCLUSION The EFPQ proved to be a reliable, valid, and responsive instrument for the assessment of parental fears about their child's epilepsy and can be recommended for use in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hagemann
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Germany.
| | | | | | - Theodor W May
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Germany; Society for Epilepsy Research, Bielefeld, Germany
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Turan Gürhopur FD, Işler Dalgiç A. The effect of a modular education program for children with epilepsy and their parents on disease management. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 78:210-218. [PMID: 29203274 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Modular Education Program for Children with Epilepsy and Their Parents on disease management. The program was prepared by researchers in an interdisciplinary team. METHOD Children with epilepsy and their parents were included in a randomized controlled study using a pre-posttest design. All participants of the modular education program (n=184 (92 children and their 92 parents')) answered a lot of scales immediately before the program. The researcher presented the modular education program, which included eight modules (four for the children and four for the parents), to the children and parents in the intervention group using interactive teaching methods. And all participants of the modular education program answered all scales immediately after the program and one-month, three-month follow-ups. The control group not participating in the modular education program (n=100 (50 children, 50 parents)) also answered all scales in all follow-ups. Scales used the study comprised epilepsy-specific outcome measures (e.g., knowledge, self-efficacy related to seizures, quality of life and anxiety). The statistical analyses of the study data were performed using SAS 9.3 software. RESULTS Children in intervention group significantly improved in knowledge (p<0.001), self-efficacy about seizures (p<0.001), and quality of life (p<0.001) compared with the control group. The parents in the intervention group also significantly improved in knowledge about epilepsy (p<0.001) compared with the control group. However, anxiety of the parents in the intervention group significantly increased (p<0.001). CONCLUSION The efficacy of the Modular Education Program for Children with Epilepsy and Their Parents on disease management was confirmed. The results indicate that using interactive teaching methods help children with epilepsy and their parents in improving knowledge, self-efficacy about seizures and quality of life. All health professionals who work with children with epilepsy and their parents should provide these modular education programs regularly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayşegül Işler Dalgiç
- Akdeniz University, Nursing Faculty, Pediatric Nursing Department, Antalya, Turkey.
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Masri A, Aburahma S, Khasawneh A, Al Qudah A, Nafi O, Al Momani M, Khatib F. Parental knowledge and attitudes towards epilepsy -A study from Jordan. Seizure 2017; 53:75-80. [PMID: 29149668 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of parents whose children were diagnosed with epilepsy. METHODS Cross-sectional questionnaire based study of parents who accompanied their children with epilepsy to the child neurology clinics at three university hospitals in Jordan. RESULTS Most parents (427, 90.3%) knew that epilepsy is not related to a psychiatric disease. Approximately half of the parents (245, 51.8%) used the internet as their source of knowledge, and most used Arabic websites. Searching the word epilepsy was rarely used (51, 10.8%). Most of the parents (428,90.5%) were not restricting their children from watching TV or from using the computer (358,75.5%).However, many parents (280,59.2%) were restricting them from participating in sports. Parents had negative attitudes towards epilepsy; 189 (40.0%)thought that epileptic children can have normal intelligence, and 292 (61.7%) thought that they can continue into higher education. Greater parental knowledge of epilepsy was found to be correlated with the parental education level (p<0.05).Positive attitudes and behaviors towards epilepsy were found to be correlated with a higher parental education level, control of epilepsy,an absence of associated co morbidities, a higher income and internet use (p<0.05). CONCLUSION This study sheds an important light on the current knowledge status and attitudes of parents of children with epilepsy, and is an invaluable tool for tailoring the delivery of information and support resources for families in our region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Masri
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Jordan.
| | - Samah Aburahma
- Neuroscience Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan.
| | - Aisha Khasawneh
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Jordan.
| | - Abdelkarim Al Qudah
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Jordan.
| | - Omar Nafi
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Jordan.
| | - Miral Al Momani
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan.
| | - Faisal Khatib
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Jordan.
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Michaelis R, Tang V, Wagner JL, Modi AC, LaFrance Jr WC, Goldstein LH, Lundgren T, Reuber M. Psychological treatments for people with epilepsy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 10:CD012081. [PMID: 29078005 PMCID: PMC6485515 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012081.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the significant impact epilepsy can have on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of individuals with epilepsy and their families, there is great clinical interest in evidence-based psychological treatments, aimed at enhancing psychological well-being in people with epilepsy. A review of the current evidence was needed to assess the effects of psychological treatments for people with epilepsy on HRQoL outcomes, in order to inform future therapeutic recommendations and research designs. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of psychological treatments for people with epilepsy on HRQoL outcomes. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases on 20 September 2016, without language restrictions: Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We screened the references from included studies and relevant reviews, and contacted researchers in the field for unpublished studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs for this review. HRQoL was the main outcome measure. For the operational definition of 'psychological treatments', we included a broad range of treatments that used psychological or behavioral techniques designed to improve HRQoL, seizure frequency and severity, and psychiatric comorbidities for adults and children with epilepsy, compared to treatment as usual (TAU) or an active control group. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by the Cochrane Collaboration. MAIN RESULTS We included 24 completed RCTs, with a total of 2439 participants. Eleven studies investigated psychological interventions, such as cognitive, behavioral, and mindfulness-based interventions. The remaining studies were classified as educational interventions (N = 7), self-management interventions (N = 3), adherence interventions (N = 1), and mixed interventions (N = 2). Two studies investigated interventions for children and adolescents, and five studies investigated interventions for adolescents and adults. Based on satisfactory clinical and methodological homogeneity, we pooled data from six adult studies, two studies on adolescents and adults, and one on adolescents and young adults (468 participants) for HRQoL, measured with the Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 (QOLIE-31). We found significant mean changes for the QOLIE-31 total score and six subscales (emotional well-being, energy and fatigue, overall QoL, seizure worry, medication effects, and cognitive functioning). The mean changes of the QOLIE-31 total score (mean improvement of 5.68 points (95% CI 3.11 to 8.24; P < 0.0001), and three subscales, emotional well-being (mean improvement of 7.03 points (95% CI 2.51 to 11.54; P = 0.002); energy and Fatigue (mean improvement of 6.90 points (95% CI 3.49 to 10.31; P < 0.0001); and overall QoL (mean improvement of 6.47 points (95% CI 2.68 to 10.25; P = 0.0008) exceeded the threshold of minimally important change (MIC), indicating a clinically meaningful post-intervention improvement of QoL. We downgraded the quality of the evidence provided by the meta-analysis because of serious risk of bias in some of the included studies. Consequentially, these results provided evidence of moderate quality that psychological treatments for adults with epilepsy may enhance overall QoL in people with epilepsy. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Implications for practice: Psychological interventions and self-management interventions improved QoL, and emotional well-being, and reduced fatigue in adults and adolescents with epilepsy. Adjunctive use of psychological treatments for adults and adolescents with epilepsy may provide additional benefits to QoL in those who incorporate patient-centered management. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Authors should strictly adhere to the CONSORT guidelines to improve the quality of reporting on their interventions. A thorough description of the intervention protocol is necessary to ensure reproducibility.When researching psychological treatments for people with epilepsy, the use of Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventories (QOLIE-31, QOLIE-31-P, and QOLIE-89) would increase comparability. There is a critical gap in pediatric RCTs for psychological treatments, particularly those that use an epilepsy-specific measure of HRQoL.Finally, in order to increase the overall quality of study designs, adequate randomization with allocation concealment and blinded outcome assessment should be pursued when conducting RCTs. As attrition is often high in research that requires active participant participation, an intention-to-treat analysis should be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Michaelis
- Gemeinschaftskranhaus Herdecke University of Witten/HerdeckeDepartment of NeurologyHerdeckeHerdeckeGermany
| | | | - Janelle L Wagner
- Medical University of South CarolinaCollege of Nursing & Department of Pediatrics99 Johnathan Lucas StreetMSC 160CharlestonUSASC 29425‐1600
| | - Avani C Modi
- University of Cincinnati College of MedicineDivision of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical PsychologyCincinnatiUSA
| | | | - Laura H Goldstein
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College LondonDepartment of PsychologyDe Crespigny ParkLondonUKSE5 8AF
| | - Tobias Lundgren
- Karolinska InstitutetCenter for Psychiatry Reseach, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceStockholm Health Care ServicesStockholm County CouncilStockholmSweden
| | - Markus Reuber
- University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire HospitalAcademic Neurology UnitGlossop RoadSheffieldUKS10 2JF
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