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Age and sex differences in social support among children and adolescents with epilepsy
Liling Yang1, Jianlin Ji1, Ping Tang2
1School of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 227 Chongqing South Road, Shanghai, China.
Insights
Social support needs differ for children and adolescents with epilepsy based on age and sex. Understanding these variations is key for tailored interventions and fostering a supportive environment for young epilepsy patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Epilepsy significantly impacts the lives of children and adolescents.
- Social support is crucial for the well-being and development of young individuals with chronic conditions.
- Understanding demographic variations in social support perception is vital for effective care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age and sex differences in the perceived frequency and importance of social support among children and adolescents with epilepsy.
- To identify specific sources of social support that vary by age and sex in this population.
Main Methods:
- An explorative cross-sectional design was utilized.
- A sample of 320 children and adolescents diagnosed with epilepsy participated.
- The Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale (CASSS) was employed for data collection.
Main Results:
- Significant relationships were found between sex, age, and the importance of support from classmates and friends.
- Girls with epilepsy reported higher support from parents and classmates compared to boys.
- Children with epilepsy valued parental and teacher support more than adolescents, who in turn received more support from friends.
Conclusions:
- Social support perceptions in children and adolescents with epilepsy are influenced by both age and sex.
- Tailoring interventions based on age and sex-specific social support needs can promote a healthier environment.
- This research provides a foundation for developing targeted support programs for young individuals with epilepsy.
Objective:
This study aimed to explore what differences exist in the perceived frequency of social support and the importance of social support according to age and sex among children and adolescents with epilepsy.
Method:
We employed an explorative cross-sectional design to examine a sample of 320 children and adolescents with epilepsy using the child and adolescent social support scale (CASSS).
Result:
There is a significant relationship between sex and age and the importance of support from classmates and friends. For the dependent variables that were not affected by the age-sex interaction, we analyzed the main effects of these dependent variables of sex and age separately. We discovered that girls with epilepsy received a higher level of support from their parents and classmates than boys. Besides, compared with adolescents, children with epilepsy consider parental support more valuable. Also, children with epilepsy attach more importance to support from their teachers than adolescents. In contrast, adolescents with epilepsy receive a higher level of support from their friends than children.
Conclusion:
Social support varies by age and sex in children and adolescents with epilepsy. Understanding the social support of children with epilepsy at various developmental stages and for different sexes can help provide a healthier environment for children and adolescents to grow up in. The results of this study provide a basis for formulating corresponding intervention programs for children and adolescents with epilepsy according to age and sex.
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