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A qualitative descriptive study of the lived experiences of school-aged children with epilepsy
Susan Hightower1, Myra Carmon, Ptlene Minick
1Roswell Pediatrics, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Introduction:
The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of children's personal experiences with epilepsy to guide health care providers in providing care to these children.
Method:
This qualitative study examined the experiences of eight children, ages 9 to 12 years, who have epilepsy. The audiotaped interviews were guided by eight open-ended questions designed by the researchers. The taped interviews were later transcribed and discussed by the researchers. Patterns identified from the interviews were (a) my seizure medications; (b) seizures are not fun; (c) what my friends think about seizures; (d) what I do for fun; and (e) ways I live with my seizures. Several themes were identified from each of the patterns.
Results:
These findings suggest that children with epilepsy dislike having seizures and taking seizure medication; friends provide significant relationships and support; children with epilepsy participate in sports; and children with epilepsy are cognizant of auras and ways to prevent seizures.
Discussion:
Through these school-aged children's experiences and perceptions, pediatric nurse practitioners and other health care providers can establish developmentally appropriate, comprehensive methods to help these children cope with epilepsy and seizures.