Abstracts

Ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) is an established non-pharmacological treatment in children and adults with various types of epilepsy.  As increasing evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of KDT on reduction of seizure frequency, cognition and behavior, it is essential to evaluate factors that hinder and support neurologists in prescribing KDT, to strengthen quality, evidence-based, appropriate and equitable care.

This is a cross sectional cohort study of Australian and New Zealand adult and pediatric Neurologists, who were invited to complete an online 25-question multiple choice survey between August 2022 and November 2022. Demographic factors, clinical role characteristics, perceptions and experiences of KDT for epilepsy treatment were assessed. Responses were analyzed using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behavior (COM-B) model, a theory-based implementation framework. Frequencies and percentages were reported for categorical variables. Chi-squared analysis with Yates correction and Spearman’s rank-order tests were used to assess the relationship between clinical role characteristics and knowledge and use of KDT for epilepsy treatment. A p-value of < 0.05 was regarded as significant.