Self-management in persons with epilepsy

The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which people with epilepsy use recommended self-management strategies. Questionnaires on epilepsy self-management were mailed to 450 persons with epilepsy as part of a larger study on epilepsy self-management. One hundred ninety five people returned completed questionnaires and met the study criteria. The respondents were on average 35.8 years old and bad experienced seizures for a mean of 18.5 years. In general, the respondents reported compliance with medications but less adherence to other recommended practices such as safety and lifestyle behaviors. The results of this study offer some suggestions for nursing practice including an increased awareness of the teaching needs of persons with epilepsy.