Last modified: 2014-04-03
Abstract
Introduction Pediatric epilepsy poses significant challenge to the normal development of affected children. Ranging from managing the seizures to providing as near normal development experience to the child as possible, parents are faced with different tasks in caregiving. The present study aims to assess parenting practices and feasibility of parenting training progrmme in pediatric epilepsy.
Methods A pretest post test experimental design is used .Parents of 50 children with Epilepsy attending outpatient department of a tertiary referral center for Neurology are studied. All the children had the diagnosis of Seizure disorder, both male and female, in the age range of one to eighteen years. Father, mother or both parents are included in the programme. All the parents received individualized intervention targeting specific areas of psychosocial needs identified, parenting stress and parenting practices based on psycho educational model of family intervention.
Results Preliminary analysis shows that there is reduction in parenting stress reported by the parents, and healthier parenting practices. Dimensions specifically showing significant changes are over involvement from parents restricting children’s regular activities, drug compliance, normalization of family process and child’s development experience. Further analysis is being done in order to consolidate the above findings and will be reported.
Conclusion Psychoeducational Parenting training programme is effective in reducing parenting stress, promoting healthier parenting practices and thus contributing towards better disease management and Quality of life of children with Epilepsy