Health Disparities in Pediatric Epilepsy: Methods and Lessons Learned

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Health Services Research
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Epilepsy impacts 1% of youth, often accompanied by neurocognitive and psychosocial issues.
• Significant health disparities exist in children and youth with epilepsy (CYE), yet remain understudied.
• Existing literature often underemphasizes or underrecognizes disparity data within key article elements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically assess the existing literature on health disparities in pediatric epilepsy.
• To identify and highlight gaps in clinical care access and management for CYE.
• To present the methodology for a comprehensive scoping review on this topic.

Main Methods:

• Conducting a peer-reviewed scoping review of the literature on health disparities in pediatric epilepsy.
• Systematic assessment of studies focusing on access to care and management for CYE.
• Collaboration among multiple contributors within a Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests health disparities are present in CYE.
• Very few studies specifically focus on the extent and nature of these disparities.
• Disparity findings are frequently not emphasized in published research, leading to underrecognition.

Conclusions:

• A significant knowledge gap exists regarding health disparities in pediatric epilepsy.
• The process of conducting a comprehensive scoping review is time-intensive but crucial.
• Preliminary findings necessitate further research to address and understand these disparities in CYE.