Abstracts

Rationale: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological condition characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. Prior work has demonstrated an association between epilepsy prevalence and lower socioeconomic status.This study's objective is to determine the association between active, inactive, and no epilepsy with food insecurity and social isolation.


Methods: 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was analyzed. The study sample stratified adult participants into active, inactive, and without epilepsy. Active epilepsy was defined as those who self-reported a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or seizure disorder and were taking anti-seizure medication. Inactive epilepsy was defined as those who self-reported a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or seizure disorder, but were not taking anti-seizure medication. Those without epilepsy were individuals who did not report a diagnosis of epilepsy or seizure disorder. Our main outcomes of interest were categorical (yes/no): 1) any food insecurity (e.g. received food stamps) and 2) social isolation (e.g. difficulty participating in social activities such as attending parties or meetings). Descriptive statistics were performed to understand the distribution of outcomes and other variables of interest (e.g. demographics). Unadjusted logistic regression models were built to examine the association between active/inactive epilepsy (no epilepsy as reference category) and outcomes of interest. Multivariable regression analysis is in the process. All analyses were done after accounting for survey weights in R version 4.3.3.


Results: Out of 253,004,587 individuals, 0.97% reported active epilepsy and 0.81% reported inactive epilepsy. Those with active epilepsy had a higher median age as compared to those with inactive epilepsy (53 vs. 48). 97% of active and 98% of inactive epileptic groups had at least one comorbidity. In the unadjusted model, those with active epilepsy had higher odds of food insecurity as compared to those without epilepsy (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.67, 3.17, p< 0.05). 37% of the active epilepsy group had some form of difficulty partaking in social activities. Those with active epilepsy had higher odds of social isolation as compared to those without epilepsy (OR 6.06, 95% CI 4.42, 8.32, p < 0.05).


Conclusions: Food insecurity and some forms of social isolation were more prevalent among those with active epilepsy when compared to persons without epilepsy. These findings reinforce the need for effective interventions to mitigate disparities and improve health outcomes and equity in epilepsy.




Funding: Icahn School of Medicine Medical Student Research Office (MSRO)