Maternal Management of Their Children With Epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder, characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy starts in childhood in 60% of cases and most of the clinically significant aspects of the disease occur during childhood. Parents, especially the mothers, play the most significant role in helping their epileptic children adapt to their condition. This study aimed to assess mothers' management of their epileptic children. The study was conducted at the Epileptic Clinic of Mansoura University Children Hospital. A convenient sample of 100 mothers of children with epilepsy who are diagnosed as epilepsy since at least 6 months and free from other chronic disorders comprised the study sample. Mothers' management of their epileptic children was collected through a structured interview schedule developed by the researcher. Results Half of mothers have total management scores in managing their epileptic children were either "good: or "satisfactory". There were statistical significant differences found between mothers' management scores and their characteristics in area related to education and their level of education, where the older the age and the higher education the better management scores the mothers have. Therefore, educational programs are essential for mothers of epileptic children about care of their children and their community resources. Also, establishing a support group for epileptic children and their mothers is mandatory to support mothers' management.

Awareness of Parents about the Side Effects of Phenobarbital and the Management of Epileptic Children, Taif City, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Surprisingly, male parents showed significantly high awareness, whereas a significant proportion of female parents showed low awareness, although it was well known that mothers were the people responsible for the care of children. In a previous study on mothers, it was demonstrated that one-half of mothers had total management scores in managing their epileptic children, and these were either good or satisfactory [Badawy, 2015].…”