title: Factors associated with superior self-management skills among individuals with epilepsy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to determine whether the self-management skills of patients with epilepsy are associated with certain demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables.
  
  
  METHODS
  A direct survey of 182 patients, including the Epilepsy Self-Management Scale, was conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  On univariate analysis, higher age, the occurrence of convulsions, and the use of religion as a coping mechanism were associated with higher self-management scores. On multiple linear regression, only age and the presence of convulsions remained independently significant. Older individuals employed more medication management skills. Those who experienced convulsions utilized more information management, seizure management, and lifestyle management skills. However, using binary logistic regression, we found that these subscales were not independently significant. The presence of superior self-management skills did not necessarily translate into decreased seizure frequency.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Individuals with epilepsy who are older and experience convulsions generally have better self-management skills. This indicates that antecedents influence the development of self-management skills.
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Department of Neurology, University of Florida Health Sciences Center/Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Electronic address: ramon.bautista@jax.ufl.edu.
authors.forename: Ramon Edmundo D
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Bautista
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Department of Neurology, University of Florida Health Sciences Center/Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Ali Reza
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Shoraka
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Department of Neurology, University of Florida Health Sciences Center/Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Denys
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shapovalov
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012640:Seizures / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Coping; Epilepsy; Religion; Seizures; Self-management