The perceived impact of COVID-19 and associated restrictions on young people with epilepsy in the UK: Young people and caregiver survey.
Seizure
; 85: 111-114, 2021 Feb.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1065592
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
To garner the views of young people with epilepsy and caregivers regarding the impact of COVID-19 and subsequent restrictions in the UK. MEHODS An online survey was used to explore the views of young people with epilepsy (n = 71) and caregivers (n = 130) in June 2020. It included questions on the impact of the pandemic and associated restrictions on the child's epilepsy and on child and parental wellbeing.RESULTS:
One in three young people and 29 % of caregivers reported that the young person's seizures had increased during the pandemic (only 10 % of young people and 8% of caregivers reported a decrease). Half of young people reported that they were more reluctant to go to hospital. Thirty-one percent of young people and 20 % of parents reported difficulties getting epilepsy medication whilst a significant minority of young people (18 %) and caregivers (25 %) reported that the young person had investigations/assessments cancelled by their hospital. The majority of young people reported their sleep (72 %), mood (64 %) and levels of physical activity (53 %) had deteriorated. Caregivers experienced increases in stress (55 %) and anxiety (52 %). Epilepsy nurses were seen as the most helpful supportCONCLUSIONS:
Results indicate that the pandemic and associated restrictions have had a negative impact on young people with epilepsy. Perceived increases in seizures, reluctance to go to hospital and cancelled investigations are likely to impact on epilepsy management. The wider psychosocial impact is also likely to be significant with increases in child and caregiver mental health problems in an already vulnerable group.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Sleep
/
Exercise
/
Telemedicine
/
Affect
/
Epilepsy
/
COVID-19
/
Health Services Accessibility
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Child
/
Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Infant
/
Male
/
Infant, Newborn
/
Young adult
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
Seizure
Journal subject:
Neurology
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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