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Parent health literacy and adherence-related outcomes in children with epilepsy

Angelia M Paschal1, Qshequilla P Mitchell2, Jereme D Wilroy1

  • 1Department of Health Science, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|February 7, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Parent health literacy significantly impacts treatment adherence in children with epilepsy. Higher health literacy in parents correlates with fewer missed medication doses and seizures, improving epilepsy management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Health Literacy Research
  • Epilepsy Management

Background:

  • The link between parental health literacy and treatment adherence in pediatric epilepsy is understudied.
  • Factors influencing adherence, such as missed doses, appointments, and seizure frequency, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine if parent health literacy predicts adherence-related factors in children with epilepsy (ages 1-12).
  • To identify predictors of missed medication doses, missed appointments, and seizure frequency.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 146 parents/guardians of children with epilepsy in rural areas.
  • Interviews were conducted, followed by univariate analyses (ANOVA) and multiple linear regressions.

Main Results:

  • Parent health literacy was the strongest predictor for fewer missed medication doses and seizure occurrences.
  • Higher health literacy scores were associated with better adherence.
  • Household income also predicted fewer missed doses, but health literacy did not predict missed appointments.

Conclusions:

  • Inadequate parent health literacy may be an independent risk factor for poor adherence in pediatric epilepsy.
  • Targeted health literacy interventions are recommended to enhance epilepsy care and management in children.
Abstract

Keywords:
AdherenceAppointmentChildrenCompliance wit medicationEpilepsyHealth literacySeizure

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