Gender differences in risk-taking behaviour in youth with epilepsy: a Norwegian population-based study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders are more common in youth with epilepsy (YWE).
• YWE may be at increased risk for risk-taking behaviors, an area seldom studied.
• Understanding these behaviors is crucial for addressing negative social outcomes in adult epilepsy populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and nature of risk-taking behaviors in YWE.
• To identify specific risk factors associated with risk-taking behaviors in this population.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale study involving 19,995 adolescents aged 13-19 years.
• Participants completed self-report questionnaires, including The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.
• Risk-taking behavior was assessed, encompassing alcohol consumption, substance abuse, and criminal offenses.

Main Results:

• 1.2% of participants had epilepsy; 247 youths reported a history of epilepsy.
• Youth with epilepsy showed significantly higher rates of daily alcohol consumption (8.3% vs. 1.0%), illegal substance use (12.4% vs. 5.5%), and criminal offenses (19.7% vs. 8.5%) compared to controls.
• Epilepsy was a significant risk factor for risk-taking behavior in boys (OR: 3.2), but not in girls.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent boys with epilepsy exhibit higher rates of risk-taking behaviors than their non-epileptic peers.
• Additional risk factors identified include single-parent households, low family income, and psychiatric symptoms.
• Addressing these risk-taking behaviors is essential for mitigating negative social outcomes in adults with a history of epilepsy.