Parent`s Awareness Regarding their Epileptic Children in Minia University Maternal and Children Hospital

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders affecting children, as a chronic disease, it affects not only the child but also the entire family. Approximately seventy five percent of epilepsy begins during childhood. Parents play the most significant role in caring for their children and helping them adapt to their conditions especially mothers. Aim: The study aimed to assess the parent`s awareness regarding their epileptic children in Minia University Maternal and Children Hospital. Study design: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to conduct this study. Subject: A convenience sample of 250 parents have epileptic children was selected.Setting: This study was carried out at the neuro-psychiatric outpatient clinic at Minia University Maternal and Children Hospital. Tools: Four tools were utilized in this study; The First tool: socio-demographic data questionnaire. The Second tool: assessment questionnaire of parents' knowledge about epilepsy. The Third tool: assessment scale of parents' attitude towards their epileptic children. The Fourth tool: assessment questionnaire of parents' practices towards their epileptic children. Results: The results showed that fifty-nine point two percent of parent had poor knowledge about epilepsy, ninety-three point two percent had positive attitude and seventy-two point eight percent of them had poor practices. Conclusion: This study has revealed deficiencies in the knowledge, practices and positive attitude among the parent of children with epilepsy. Recommendations: From our study we have some recommendations: Establishment of national guidelines for diagnosis and management of seizures either in hospital and in outpatient or home management. Health education for parents about seizure precautions and home management of seizures through clear and applicable guidelines.