Parental awareness on anti-epileptic treatment.

ABSTRACT

Objective To assess awareness on anti-epileptic therapy among parents of epileptic children. Setting Epilepsy clinic, University Paediatric Unit, Colombo South Teaching Hospital. Study population All patients registered in clinic, followed up for at least 3 months. Method An interviewer administered questionnaire was used covering 16 aspects of anti-epileptic therapy. Responses for each aspect were graded as excellent (70% or >), good (50-69%) or poor (<50%). Results Parents of 58 children were interviewed. 100% parents had been advised on general aspects of epilepsy and 92% on principles of anti-epileptic drug (AED) therapy. In 93% this knowledge had been imparted to parents by a medical officer. In 96% this advice had been given at onset of treatment and in 64% it had been reinforced subsequently. A 'good' or 'excellent' response was obtained in 11 aspects of AED therapy whilst a 'poor' response was obtained in the remaining 5 aspects. Conclusions Parental awareness of certain aspects of AED therapy needs to be improved.