Abstracts

Previous research has shown that children with epilepsy are at greater risk for behavior problems and poor self-esteem, and how they feel about having epilepsy plays a significant role in their adjustment. Children with more positive attitudes about their condition have a more favorable adaptation to illness, and higher self-esteem better prepares the child to have a more positive attitude about their condition. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between self-esteem, attitude toward illness, and behavior problems in children with new-onset seizures. As part of a larger study, 173 subjects (M:F 91:81; aged 6-14 years) with new-onset seizures were evaluated. Subjects completed the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) during interviews conducted at the recognized onset of seizures (baseline). At 18 months after onset, subjects completed the Child Attitude Toward Illness Scale (CATIS), while parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Pearson correlations were determined between the CHQ subscale of Self-Esteem and the 18 month CATIS scores. Multiple regression analyses were conducted, using the CHQ subscale of Self-Esteem and the CATIS as independent variables and the CBCL subscales (Internalizing Problems, Externalizing Problems, and Total Behavior Problems) as dependent variables. There was a positive correlation between the CHQ subscale of Self-Esteem at baseline and the subject[apos]s attitude toward illness at 18 months ([italic]r=[/italic]0.26, [italic]p[/italic][lt].001). After adjusting for self-esteem at baseline, the CATIS was negatively associated with Externalizing Problems ([italic]p[lt][/italic].005) and Total Behavior Problems ( [italic]p[lt][/italic].01), but not with Internalizing Problems. Children with new-onset seizures who had more positive self-esteem at condition onset had a more positive attitude toward their condition 18 months later, and a more positive attitude toward their condition was also associated with fewer externalizing and total behavior problems. Even after controlling for a child[apos]s self-esteem, children with a more positive attitude toward their condition had fewer behavior problems. Although self-esteem and attitude are important in understanding adjustment to illness, future research should focus on identifying other factors that could predict child adaptation. Results might lead to intervention methods that could enhance more positive attitudes, as well as help us begin to understand children[apos]s behavioral problems. This information could be used to develop programs for children with epilepsy, and their parents, teachers, as well as classmates before behavior becomes a problem for the child. (Supported by National Institutes of Health - NS22416 (PI J Austin).)