1
|
Alene TD, Engidaye GT, Birhane T, Gedamu S. Epilepsy Treatment Outcome and Its Predictors Among Children Who Had Chronic Follow Up at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Patient Relat Outcome Meas 2024; 15:71-80. [PMID: 38410831 PMCID: PMC10895992 DOI: 10.2147/prom.s431242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable disease of the brain that affects millions of people worldwide. A significant number of children are affected globally, and most live in developing countries, often with physical and cognitive disabilities. Regardless of these factors, epilepsy is poorly controlled, particularly in the developing countries. Thus, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of treatment outcomes and its predictors among pediatrics patients with epilepsy who were followed-up at the Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 June 2022 to 30 August 2022. A total of 200 patients with epilepsy were included in this study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and by reviewing medical records. The collected data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were computed. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Variables with p < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression. In multivariable analysis, adjusted odd ratio with 95% CI and p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Of 200 pediatric patients with epilepsy, 66 (34.5%) had poor treatment outcomes. In the multivariate analysis, 11-15 years of age (AOR = 4.08; 95% CI = 1.202, 13.848), poor treatment adherence (AOR = 3.21; 95% CI = 1.421, 7.249), history of more seizure frequency before starting treatment (AOR = 4.19; 95% CI = 1.984, 8.834) and history of head injury (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI = 1.502, 6.112) were significantly associated with poor treatment outcomes in pediatric patients with epilepsy. Conclusion Significant proportion of pediatric patients with epilepsy had poor treatment outcomes. Therefore, health-care workers should strictly follow patient treatment especially for pediatric epileptic patients' who have poor treatment adherence, more seizure frequency history, head injury history and whose age were 11-15 years old.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tilahun Dessie Alene
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Wollo University, Dessie, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | | | - Tesfaye Birhane
- Department of Reproductive and Family Health, Wollo University, Dessie, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Sisay Gedamu
- Department of Comprehensive Nursing, Wollo University, Dessie, Amhara, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Goh SL, Harding KE, Lewis AK, Taylor NF, Carney PW. Self-management strategies for people with epilepsy: An overview of reviews. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 150:109569. [PMID: 38071829 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109569] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This overview of systematic reviews aimed to appraise evidence regarding self-management strategies on health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, medication compliance, seizure status and psychosocial outcomes compared to usual care for people with epilepsy. METHODS Databases were searched until September 2022 using MeSH terms included OVID Medline, Embase and Cochrane. Following application of eligibility criteria, data were extracted and quality of articles was assessed using the AMSTAR2 checklist. A narrative synthesis of evidence included certainty of evidence evaluated using a Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. RESULTS The 12 selected reviews contained three meta-analyses and 91 unique primary studies. One review considered only epilepsy with intellectual disability and three considered paediatrics. Interventions included technologically-based interventions, small group discussion, or counselling and educational programs. There was high certainty evidence to suggest self-management is associated with improvement in health-related quality of life and moderate certainty evidence to suggest improvement in depression symptoms. There was low certainty evidence to suggest a modest reduction in negative health events and a minimal increase in the satisfaction with life. There was no evidence of benefit favouring self-management on measures of adherence epilepsy self-management, perception of self-efficacy, medication adherence or seizure status. SIGNIFICANCE Despite high certainty evidence to suggest that self-management strategies for people with epilepsy improve health-related quality of life, benefits have not been demonstrated for outcomes that would be expected to be associated with these improvements, such as seizure status. These results provide support for self-management strategies to supplement usual care for people with epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Goh
- Monash Health, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia
| | - Katherine E Harding
- Allied Health Clinical Research Office, Eastern Health, 5 Arnold Street, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia; La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Annie K Lewis
- Allied Health Clinical Research Office, Eastern Health, 5 Arnold Street, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia; La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Nicholas F Taylor
- Allied Health Clinical Research Office, Eastern Health, 5 Arnold Street, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia; La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Patrick W Carney
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia; Department of Neurosciences, Eastern Health, 5 Arnold St, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia; The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sharma N, Asaf A, Vaivada T, Bhutta ZA. Delivery Strategies Supporting School-Age Child Health: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 2022; 149:186937. [PMID: 35503326 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-053852l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT School-aged children (SAC; 5-9 years) remain understudied in global efforts to examine intervention effectiveness and scale up evidence-based interventions. OBJECTIVE This review summarizes the available evidence describing the effectiveness of key strategies to deliver school-age interventions. DATA SOURCES We searched Medline, PsycINFO, Campbell Collaboration, and The Cochrane Library during November 2020. STUDY SELECTION Systematic reviews and meta-analyses that: target SAC, examine effective delivery of well-established interventions, focus on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), were published after 2010, and focus on generalizable, rather than special, populations. DATA EXTRACTION Two reviewers conducted title and abstract screening, full-text screening, data extraction, and quality assessments. RESULTS Sixty reviews met the selection criteria, with 35 containing evidence from LMICs. The outcomes assessed and the reported effectiveness of interventions varied within and across delivery strategies. Overall, community, school, and financial strategies improved several child health outcomes. The greatest evidence was found for the use of community-based interventions to improve infectious disease outcomes, such as malaria control and prevention. School-based interventions improved child development and infectious disease-related outcomes. Financial strategies improved school enrollment, food security, and dietary diversity. LIMITATIONS Relatively few LMIC studies examined facility, digital, and self-management strategies. Additionally, we found considerable heterogeneity within and across delivery strategies and review authors reported methodological limitations within the studies. CONCLUSIONS Despite limited research, available information suggests community-based strategies can be effective for the introduction of a range of interventions to support healthy growth and development in SAC. These also have the potential to reduce disparities and reach at-risk and marginalized populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naeha Sharma
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Canada
| | - Ayesha Asaf
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Canada
| | - Tyler Vaivada
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Canada
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Canada.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Institute for Global Health & Development, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mooney O, McNicholl A, Lambert V, Gallagher P. Self-management in children and young people with epilepsy: A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis. J Health Psychol 2020; 26:126-139. [PMID: 33040578 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320963536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review was to conduct a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies exploring the self-management experiences, attitudes and perspectives of children and young people (CYP) living with epilepsy. Five databases were systematically searched up to September 2019. Fourteen papers were included. One analytical theme: self-management strategies was generated informed by four descriptive themes; concealment; medicine adherence; self-monitoring of activities; and seeking social support. The synthesis identified that while CYP with epilepsy engage in specific self-management strategies, there is limited evidence in understanding self-management and the processes underlying the use of it. Future research examining self-management in childhood is required.
Collapse
|
5
|
Noble AJ, Marson AG, Blower SL. Psychological interventions for epilepsy: How good are trialists at assessing their implementation fidelity, what are the barriers, and what are journals doing to encourage it? A mixed methods study. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 97:174-181. [PMID: 31252275 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psychological interventions hold promise for the epilepsy population and continue to be trialed to determine their efficacy. Such interventions present opportunities for variance in delivery. Therefore, to accurately interpret a trial's estimate of effect, information on implementation fidelity (IF) is required. We present a novel 3-part study. Part 1 systematically rated trials for the extent to which they reported assessing whether the intervention was delivered as intended (adherence) and with what sort of skill (competence). Part 2 identified barriers to reporting and assessing on fidelity perceived by trialists. Part 3 determined what journals publishing epilepsy trials are doing to support IFs reporting. METHODS Articles for 50 randomized controlled trials (RCTs)/quasi-RCTs of psychological interventions identified by Cochrane searches were rated using the Psychotherapy Outcome Study Methodology Rating Form's fidelity items. The 45 corresponding authors for the 50 trials were invited to complete the 'Barriers to Treatment Integrity Implementation Survey'. 'Instructions to Authors' for the 17 journals publishing the trials were reviewed for endorsement of popular reporting guidelines which refer to fidelity (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement or Journal Article Reporting Standards [JARS]) and asked how they enforced compliance. RESULTS Part 1: 15 (30%) trials reported assessing for adherence, but only 2 (4.3%) gave the result. Four (8.5%) reported assessing for competence, 1 (2.1%) gave the result. Part 2: 22 trialists - mostly chief investigators - responded. They identified 'lack of theory and specific guidelines on treatment integrity procedures', 'time, cost, and labor demands', and 'lack of editorial requirement' as "strong barriers". Part 3: Most (15, 88.2%) journals endorsed CONSORT or JARS, but only 5 enforced compliance. CONCLUSIONS Most trials of psychological interventions for epilepsy are not reported in a transparent way when it comes to IF. The barriers' trialists identify for this do not appear insurmountable. Addressing them could ultimately help the field to better understand how best to support the population with epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Noble
- Health Services Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Anthony G Marson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sarah L Blower
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayşegül Işler Dalgiç
- Akdeniz University, Nursing Faculty, Pediatric Nursing Department, Antalya, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kossoff EH, Sutter L, Doerrer SC, Haney CA, Turner Z. Impact of Child Life Services on Children and Families Admitted to Start the Ketogenic Diet. J Child Neurol 2017; 32:828-833. [PMID: 28482736 DOI: 10.1177/0883073817709179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally the ketogenic diet is started as an inpatient admission to the hospital. Starting in January 2015, child life services were made formally available during ketogenic diet admissions to help families cope. One-page surveys were then provided to 15 parents on the day of discharge and again after 3 months. Every family believed that the child life services were helpful. Children who were developmentally appropriate/mildly delayed had higher parent-reported anxiety scores than those who were moderate to severely delayed (4.4 vs 1.0, P = .02). At 3 months, child life services were deemed very helpful for the parents (mean score: 8.9, range: 5-10), and were more helpful for the parent than the child (mean 6.2, range 1-10, P = .047). One of the most helpful services was a prior phone call to parents 1 week prior. In this small pilot study, child life involvement during the start of the ketogenic diet was highly useful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric H Kossoff
- 1 Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lindsay Sutter
- 2 Division of Child Life, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah C Doerrer
- 1 Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Courtney A Haney
- 3 Division of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zahava Turner
- 3 Division of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rawlings GH, Brown I, Stone B, Reuber M. Written accounts of living with epilepsy: A thematic analysis. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 72:63-70. [PMID: 28575769 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the subjective experience of living with epilepsy by thematically analyzing participants' written accounts of their condition. Writing is seen as an individual act allowing for private exploration, reflection and expression of thoughts and feelings. Participants (n=20) were recruited from a United Kingdom hospital and from membership-led organizations for individuals living with seizures. Participants were asked to produce four pieces of writing: 1) about their thoughts and feelings about their condition; 2) a letter to their condition; 3) a letter to their younger self; and 4) about a personal value. All writings were analyzed thematically using a theory- and data-driven approach. Five main-themes and 22 sub-themes emerged from the data. Theme 1: 'seizure onset' demonstrated that the development of seizures and subsequent diagnosis was an important event that could change an individuals' identity. Theme 2: 'seizure symptoms' revealed participants externalized their seizures as an intrusive agent with a constant presence in their lives. Theme 3: 'treatment and outcome' reflected medication as an essential means to controlling seizures with subsequent side effects being perceived as a compromise. Theme 4: 'living with epilepsy' explored the consequences of the condition including restrictions and stigma. Theme 5: 'displays of coping' demonstrated that, for the most part, participants were keen to present themselves as living well with epilepsy. The results add to the growing research applying qualitative methodologies to investigate the phenomenology of epilepsy. Qualitative research can improve our understanding and awareness of the condition, as well as inform clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ian Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, UK.
| | | | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hall BJ, Sou KL, Beanland R, Lacky M, Tso LS, Ma Q, Doherty M, Tucker JD. Barriers and Facilitators to Interventions Improving Retention in HIV Care: A Qualitative Evidence Meta-Synthesis. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:1755-1767. [PMID: 27582088 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1537-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Retention in HIV care is vital to the HIV care continuum. The current review aimed to synthesize qualitative research to identify facilitators and barriers to HIV retention in care interventions. A qualitative evidence meta-synthesis utilizing thematic analysis. Prospective review registration was made in PROSPERO and review procedures adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Nineteen databases were searched to identify qualitative research conducted with individuals living with HIV and their caregivers. Quality assessment was conducted using CASP and the certainty of the evidence was evaluated using CERQual. A total of 4419 citations were evaluated and 11 were included in the final meta-synthesis. Two studies were from high-income countries, 3 from middle-income countries, and 6 from low-income countries. A total of eight themes were identified as facilitators or barriers for retention in HIV care intervention: (1) Stigma and discrimination, (2) Fear of HIV status disclosure, (3) task shifting to lay health workers, (4) Human resource and institutional challenges, (5) Mobile Health (mHealth), (6) Family and friend support, (7) Intensive case management, and, (8) Relationships with caregivers. The current review suggests that task shifting interventions with lay health workers were feasible and acceptable. mHealth interventions and stigma reduction interventions appear to be promising interventions aimed at improving retention in HIV care. Future studies should focus on improving the evidence base for these interventions. Additional research is needed among women and adolescents who were under-represented in retention interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Hall
- Global and Community Mental Health Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Macau, E21-3040, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau (SAR), People's Republic of China.
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Ka-Lon Sou
- Global and Community Mental Health Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Macau, E21-3040, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau (SAR), People's Republic of China
| | - Rachel Beanland
- HIV/AIDS Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mellanye Lacky
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Project-China, No. 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510095, People's Republic of China
| | - Lai Sze Tso
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Project-China, No. 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510095, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyan Ma
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Project-China, No. 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510095, People's Republic of China
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Meg Doherty
- HIV/AIDS Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Project-China, No. 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510095, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Helmers SL, Kobau R, Sajatovic M, Jobst BC, Privitera M, Devinsky O, Labiner D, Escoffery C, Begley CE, Shegog R, Pandey D, Fraser RT, Johnson EK, Thompson NJ, Horvath KJ. Self-management in epilepsy: Why and how you should incorporate self-management in your practice. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 68:220-224. [PMID: 28202408 PMCID: PMC5381244 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosemarie Kobau
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Epilepsy Program, Atlanta, GA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Miller WR, Groves D, Knopf A, Otte JL, Silverman RD. Word Adjacency Graph Modeling: Separating Signal From Noise in Big Data. West J Nurs Res 2016; 39:166-185. [PMID: 27655959 DOI: 10.1177/0193945916670363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There is a need to develop methods to analyze Big Data to inform patient-centered interventions for better health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a method to explore Big Data to describe salient health concerns of people with epilepsy. Specifically, we used Word Adjacency Graph modeling to explore a data set containing 1.9 billion anonymous text queries submitted to the ChaCha question and answer service to (a) detect clusters of epilepsy-related topics, and (b) visualize the range of epilepsy-related topics and their mutual proximity to uncover the breadth and depth of particular topics and groups of users. Applied to a large, complex data set, this method successfully identified clusters of epilepsy-related topics while allowing for separation of potentially non-relevant topics. The method can be used to identify patient-driven research questions from large social media data sets and results can inform the development of patient-centered interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Doyle Groves
- 2 Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Amelia Knopf
- 2 Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Julie L Otte
- 2 Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|