Personalised epilepsy education intervention for adolescents and impact on knowledge acquisition and psychosocial function.
OBJECTIVE
Patients frequently have poor knowledge of epilepsy, and this is associated with low self-esteem in adolescence. There is a paucity of data determining whether education alone can improve psychosocial outcome. The study investigated whether an educational intervention in adolescence: 1 Increased understanding of epilepsy syndrome and general epilepsy knowledge. 2 Improved self-esteem, seizure self-efficacy and attitudes towards epilepsy.


METHODS
In session 1, adolescents were educated about their epilepsy syndrome in a one-on-one session, producing a personalised epilepsy medical record. In session 2, the impact of epilepsy on life-style was discussed. Pre- and post-intervention measures of knowledge, self-esteem, seizure self-efficacy and attitudes towards epilepsy were completed using validated scales. Focus groups explored the intervention's value.


RESULTS
Thirty adolescents with epilepsy participated (female: 24, male: 6; median age: 16 years; partial symptomatic epilepsy: 15, generalised idiopathic epilepsy: 15). Self-knowledge of syndrome (P < 0.0001), general knowledge of epilepsy (P < 0.0001), attitudes towards epilepsy (P= 0.008) and seizure self-efficacy (P= 0.049) improved. Focus group data indicated that sessions were enjoyable and valuable, and the medical record was helpful.


CONCLUSIONS
The intervention significantly improved self-knowledge and general knowledge of epilepsy, attitudes towards epilepsy and seizure self-efficacy. This is the first study to demonstrate a positive impact on psychosocial outcomes following an educational intervention without a psychological component. The model has widespread application.
Department of Paediatric Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.
Claire K
CK
Frizzell
Anne M
AM
Connolly
Erin
E
Beavis
John A
JA
Lawson
Ann M E
AM
Bye
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009517:New South Wales; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult