ABSTRACT
Abstract Background The perception of family support in chronic disease can be relevant. Objective To assess the perception of family support in adult patients with epilepsy (PWEs) and relate it to quality of life (QoL) and clinical aspects. Methods Data from the Perceived Family Support Inventory (IPFS) of 130 PWEs were related to the clinical variables, QOLIE-31 scores, and the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E) with statistical tests, with p < 0.05. Results The mean age was 49.9 ± 17.2 years, and the duration of epilepsy was 20.8 ± 15.4 years. The presence of depression (scores ≥ 15) was associated with lower family support. Being married and non-occurrence of depression were the variables associated with a higher IPFS score (R = 0.2112), in the multiple linear regression. Conclusion The perception of greater family support was associated with demographic aspects, the absence of depression, and better QoL. Family relationships may play an essential role in health adjustment behaviors and QoL in epilepsy.
Resumo Antecedentes A percepção do suporte familiar nas doenças crônicas pode ser relevante. Objetivo Avaliar em pacientes adultos com epilepsia (PCE) a percepção do suporte familiar e relacioná-la com os aspectos clínicos e com a qualidade de vida (QV). Métodos Os dados do Inventário de Percepção de Suporte Familiar (IPSF) de 130 PCE foram relacionados com as variáveis clínicas, os escores do QOLIE-31 e com o Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E), com testes estatísticos, com p < 0.05. Resultados A idade média foi 49.9 ± 17.2 anos e o tempo de epilepsia foi de 20.8 ± 15.4 anos. Escores ≥ 15 no NDDI-E (presença de depressão) associaram-se a menor suporte familiar. Ser casado e não ter depressão são as variáveis associadas a maiores escores no IPSF (R = 0.2112), na regressão linear múltipla. Conclusão A percepção de maior suporte familiar associou-se à aspectos demográficos, a ausência de depressão e a melhor QV. As relações familiares podem ter papel essencial nos comportamentos de ajustamento na saúde e na QV na epilepsia.