Abstracts

Rationale: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. The burden of epilepsy is disproportionate to its prevalence, and is one of the highest among neurological disorders. It is thus of considerable value to investigate any potential underlying contributors to the burden of this condition, such as health-related behaviours (HRB) and health status (e.g. comorbidity). The objectives of this study were to determine if HRB and health status differ between those with epilepsy compared to those without epilepsy and to determine if patterns of HRB in those with epilepsy are associated with any socio-demographic variables. Methods: Data from the 2001-2005 Canadian Community Health Surveys (CCHS) were used. These are national cross-sectional health surveys which were administered to 400,055 Canadians aged 15 and older over the 5 year period. The interview elicited self-reported information about professionally diagnosed health conditions, including epilepsy. Each of three independent surveys used a multistage stratified cluster design combined with random sampling methods to select a representative sample of the Canadian population. Weighted estimates of association were produced as adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals (C.I.). Logistic regression was used to explore the impact of demographic variables on HRB. Results: The prevalence of active epilepsy was 0.6%, migraine 8.4% and diabetes 3.8%. Individuals with epilepsy and migraine were slightly younger than those with diabetes. Those with epilepsy were significantly less likely to be married and have higher education and significantly more likely to have lower income compared to the general population or to those with migraine or diabetes. Having epilepsy was significantly associated with poorer self-perceived health status, a higher prevalence of most comorbidities, obesity, and a lower prevalence rate of physical activity compared to the general population or those with other chronic conditions. Those with epilepsy and migraine were significantly more likely to smoke compared to the general population. Although those with epilepsy and diabetes were significantly less likely to have had a drink overall in the past 12 months, they were more likely to regularly consume more than 12 drinks a week. Health screening did not differ significantly between the groups. In the logistic regression analysis, epilepsy was found to be associated with physical inactivity, smoking and an increased prevalence of heavier drinking compared to those without epilepsy, although as a group, those with epilepsy were less likely to consume alcohol. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that those with epilepsy tend to have a poorer pattern of health status and HRB compared to the general population or to those with migraine or diabetes. Screening for and managing comorbidities as well as promoting exemplary HRB prevents avoidable illnesses and injuries, improves overall health and as a result should improve quality-of-life in those with epilepsy.