People with epilepsy have various education needs and must adopt many self-management behaviors in order to control their condition. This study evaluates WebEase, an Internet-based, theory-driven, self-management program for adults with epilepsy. Thirty-five participants took part in a 6-week pilot implementation of WebEase. The main components of WebEase are My Log, a behavioral journal, and the Medication, Stress and Sleep Modules, which provide tailored information and feedback designed to prompt participants to assess their status with self-management behaviors, think about their behaviors and make a goal. In this article, we discuss the results of the feasibility, acceptability and usability assessments and the behavioral outcomes. The process results indicate that theoretical components that served as the program framework were successfully integrated into the program and that participants viewed WebEase as relevant, acceptable and easy to use. Additionally, participants showed some improvement in epilepsy self-management, adherence, sleep quality, self-efficacy and social support following the program. The initial results are encouraging and continued development of WebEase has the potential to facilitate education and self-management strategies among people with epilepsy.
Depression is the most frequently diagnosed psychiatric disorder among people with epilepsy. A variety of risk factors for depression among people with epilepsy have been identified, however, few studies have examined these risk factors over time. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between demographic characteristics, seizure-related factors, and psychosocial factors and depressive symptoms over 6 months. Three hundred and nineteen adults with epilepsy completed three surveys at three-month intervals. Multiple linear regression was used with the baseline variables to predict depressive symptoms at baseline, 3-months, and 6-months. Employment status, social support, and stigma emerged as predictors of depressive symptoms at all three timepoints. Other factors that predicted depression symptoms in one or two timepoints were selfmanagement, financial strain, and activity restriction due to seizures. The results indicate that multiple factors influence depressive symptoms among people with epilepsy.
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