Abstracts

Rationale: The lifetime prevalence of epilepsy in minority populations has been reported to be generally higher than Whites, in particular, among Hispanics, Blacks, and Native Americans. In this presentation, the preliminary results of a multi-year prevalence study along the Arizona-Mexico border targeting Hispanics is described. Methods: Households in Cochise, Santa Cruz, and Yuma Counties were recruited through random digit dialing (county-wide) and door to door surveying (border communities only). Household residents were screened for epilepsy using a previously validated tool. Those who screened positive were interviewed further to obtain information about their seizures, risk factors, medical service utilization, and quality of life. When possible, they were also evaluated by a study physician. Two study physicians independently classified seizure types according to ILAE classification scheme. Results: To date, information on approximately 10,000 household residents has been gathered. Most of those who have been screened are Hispanics. Half of the total sample was from the door to door recruitment even though the surveys were conducted in a shorter time period, and targeted a smaller area. Crude prevalence of lifetime epilepsy was found to be lower among Hispanics (0.5%) than White non Hispanics (1.0%). However, more Hispanics were undiagnosed with epilepsy than White non Hispanics. Other differences between the diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals include gender, age of onset, and type of seizures. Conclusions: Prevalence of epilepsy along the Arizona - Mexico border is lower among Hispanics although Hispanics are more likely to remain undiagnosed. More work needs to be done to determine the reasons for the disparities between the two ethnic groups seen among those who were diagnosed, and also among those who were not diagnosed. (Supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).