Abstracts

Rationale: RATIONALE: Current literature demonstrates gaps in epilepsy knowledge, care and education. Epilepsy is surrounded by many misconceptions that contribute to poor psychosocial adjustment and problems with the medical management and home care of this condition. Data on preparedness of those who may be called on to provide seizure first aid indicate a lack of knowledge about responding to a seizure. The purpose of our study was to assess the knowledge of parents/caregivers of children with epilepsy regarding basic aspects of epilepsy and first aid measures for seizures. In addition, our study is aimed to determine whether or not there is a relationship between the knowledge and selected socio-demographic variables in our population. The rationale of our research resides in helping to identify gaps in knowledge in our population. Methods: METHODS: A self-administered anonymous epilepsy questionnaire was developed and validated. It was distributed to parents/caregivers of children between 6 and 21 years old with a diagnosis of epilepsy from three clinical sites. The questionnaire consisted mainly of 3 parts including socio-demographic data of parents/caregivers and patients and a section of yes-no statements addressing general aspects and first aids measures for epilepsy. Exploratory data analysis included frequencies and percentages distribution, and measures of central tendency. Inferential analyses (Chi-square and linear multiple regression) were used to identify possible relationships between knowledge and selected socio-demographic and disease-related variables. Results: RESULTS: After verifying inclusion and exclusion criteria, total sample collected consisted of 100 participants (n = 100). Respondents were mainly female (95%), with a mean age of 41 years old, a mean educational level of high school completed, and a mean income level of $10,000 or less. Caregivers that report receiving information about epilepsy by more than three sources, scored higher in knowledge scales (48%; p = 0.033) than those who only have one epilepsy information usual source (16%). Physicians (88%) were the most common source of information followed by Internet (57%). Knowledge scores higher than 80% were obtained by 70% of respondents. Only educational level showed a positive statistically significant association with higher knowledge scores (p ≤ 0.013), even after controlling for demographic characteristics, patients' severity and epilepsy-related variables (p=0.021). Conclusions: CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, respondents demonstrated an adequate knowledge regarding basic aspects of epilepsy and first aid measures for seizures. Our study confirms that parents/caregivers' educational level plays a role in epilepsy's general knowledge attainment. Moreover, it illustrates that receiving information about epilepsy by more than three sources could yield to a higher level of knowledge regarding the studied aspects of epilepsy. This study provides essential baseline information for the future development of epilepsy-based educational strategies addressing specific needs of our population.