[Mental health analysis and stress coping strategies in families caring for patients with epilepsy referring to Iranian association of epilepsy]

ABSTRACT

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent diseases in all countries. A family having a patient with epilepsy subjects itself to self regulation in order to organize their roles and rules, and attempt to develop consistent patterns of interaction. This is necessary for epileptic patients and their families in promoting mental health and using effective interactive skills. In this descriptive- correlation study, 150 families of epileptics referring to the Iranian association of epilepsy selected using a Systematic Sampling. For obtaining further information, a questionnaire was used. The first part indicated the demographic specifications of the patient's family, the second part showed the general health questionnaire [GHQ] and the third part indicated stress coping strategies Carver-Sheier-Weinrub questionnaires. The majority of the epileptic patients' families [56.7%] were not in an appropriate mental health condition. The majority of epileptic patients' families [92%] were employing stress coping strategies on a medium level, majority of epileptic patients' families who had medium mental health [93.8%] were using stress coping strategies in a medium level [S=0.3, P<0.0001]. The result may help promoting more mental health in the family of the epileptic patient and using of stress coping strategies in a more suitable level