Prevalence of epilepsy and seizure disorders in an urban minority population: a feasibility study

Information on the frequency of epilepsy/seizure disorders and factors associated with development of epilepsy in an underprivileged urban ghetto population is urgently needed. A feasibility study was undertaken, and a questionnaire to collect information on seizure activity and behavior in the community was administered to a series of households with known seizure disorders, a series of households with chronic diseases, and a series of households chosen at random. Sensitivity and specificity of the seizure questions were estimated to be 0.93 and 0.89 respectively. The community was receptive to a survey of this type, and the overall refusal/nonresponse rate was 7.2%. Factors that would contribute to the success of an urban minority community survey are considered.