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Correlates of behavior problems in children with epilepsy
J K Austin1, M W Risinger, L A Beckett
1Department of Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis.
Insights
Family factors significantly predict behavior problems in children with epilepsy. Female gender, family stress, mastery, social support, and seizure frequency are key predictors, influencing clinical management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Child Psychology
- Epilepsy Research
Background:
- Epilepsy affects children's behavior.
- Understanding predictors of behavior problems is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify demographic, seizure, and family variables predicting behavior problems in children with epilepsy.
- To determine the relative contributions of these factors.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 127 children (aged 8-12) with epilepsy and their mothers.
- Data collected via questionnaires, interviews, and medical records.
- Multiple regression with stepwise elimination used for analysis.
Main Results:
- Five variables significantly predicted behavior problems: female gender, family stress, family mastery, extended family social support, and seizure frequency.
- These factors explained 29% of the variation in behavioral problems (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Family variables are significant correlates of behavior problems in children with epilepsy.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering family dynamics in clinical interventions.
Abstract:
We report results from the first part of an ongoing longitudinal study aimed at identifying the relative contributions of demographic, seizure, and family variables in the prediction of behavior problems in children with epilepsy. We studied 127 children with epilepsy aged 8-12 years and their mothers. Self-report questionnaires, interviews, and medical records were data sources. Backward and forward stepwise elimination procedures using multiple regression indicated five variables that contributed significantly to prediction of behavior problems: female gender, family stress, family mastery, extended family social support, and seizure frequency. These factors accounted for 29% (p < 0.001) of the variation in behavioral problems. Findings suggest that family variables are important correlates of behavior problems and should be considered in clinical management of children with epilepsy.