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Behavioral problems of siblings of epileptic children in Enugu

A E Aronu1, S O Iloeje

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. dr_Annabel@yahoo.com

Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice
|August 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Siblings of children with epilepsy exhibit more behavioral problems than their peers. Poor seizure control in the child with epilepsy is strongly linked to these behavioral disturbances in siblings.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Child Psychology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Psychosocial dysfunction is documented in siblings of chronically ill children.
  • Limited research exists on siblings of children with epilepsy.
  • This study addresses the impact of childhood epilepsy on healthy siblings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the extent of epilepsy's impact on healthy siblings.
  • To compare behavioral disturbances in siblings of children with epilepsy to controls.
  • To identify factors associated with behavioral problems in siblings.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 156 children with epilepsy and their school-age siblings, plus 156 controls.
  • Collected demographic data and parental questionnaires.
  • Utilized Rutter's behavior scale (Teacher's Scale) to assess sibling and control behavior.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of behavioral problems was significantly higher in siblings of children with epilepsy (38.5%) compared to controls (15.4%).
  • Significant differences in the types of behavioral problems were observed between groups.
  • Poor seizure control in the child with epilepsy was strongly associated with increased behavioral problems in siblings (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Siblings of children with epilepsy experience more behavioral disturbances.
  • Effective seizure control is crucial for mitigating behavioral issues in siblings.
  • Further research is needed to understand and address the psychosocial needs of these siblings.
Abstract

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