Last modified: 2014-04-03
Abstract
Background:
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition with numerous social and psychological consequences. In children, epilepsy can cause low self esteem compared to children with other chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes. The use of quality of life measures in epilepsy is relatively recent compared with that of other chronic conditions particularly within the pediatric population
Objectives:
This study aims to assess the health related quality of life among children with epilepsy aged 5-12 years at Philippine Children’s Medical Center.
Methods:
This is a cross sectional study. Health related quality of life was measured using PedsQL generic score questionnaire.
Statistical Analysis:
Mean scores per domain and overall mean scores were obtained and compared. T- test, Chi square and logistic regression was used for the analysis of data and association and determination of predictors for poor quality of life..
Results:
A total of 117 children with epilepsy aged 5-12 years old and their carefiver were evaluated. Total overall mean PedsQL was 70.44 while for parents was 67.66. Physical functioning has the highest score while school functioning has the lowest mean score. The means scores are comparable with that of patients with chronic Illness.
Conclusion:
Almost 50 % of children with epilepsy had poor quality of life. There was good correlation between child self report and parent proxy report. Predictors to a poor quality of life were male sex, on Phenobarbital and uncontrolled seizures.
Keywords
References
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