Psychosocial Stressors among Epileptic Children

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders in children that have a negative impact on the children's psychosocial development, cognition, behaviors, schooling, finally resulting to high stressors experiencing. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial stressors of epileptic children. Research design: A descriptive study design was conducted. Setting: This study was conducted at Neurological clinic of Children's University Hospital at Ain Shams University. Sample: Convenience sample was selected which included (100) epileptic children. Tools of data collection: Interviewing questionnaire tool for children was used which included two parts: Socio- demographic characteristics and medical history of the epileptic children and their parents, and the psychosocial stressors inventory. Results: More than three fifths of studied epileptic children had high psychological stressors and more than three quarter of studied epileptic children had high social stressors. Moreover, there were statistically significant relation between psychosocial stressors and socio-demographic features and medical history such as their age, area of residence, and medications compliance. Conclusion: The epileptic children have high psychosocial stressors in relation to their socio-demographic data and medical history. Furthermore, the majority of these stressors are due to illness precautions, medications side effects, epileptic fits, and the school. Recommendation: Develop and apply nursing intervention programs for epileptic children, their parents, and teachers to improve the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards epilepsy