Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.3325/cmj.2024.65.349
Strong and weak points in the quality of life of school-age children with newly diagnosed uncomplicated epilepsy over the first six months: golden hours for prevention
Željka Rogač
; Clinical Centre of Montenegro – Institute for Children’s Diseases, Podgorica, Montenegro
*
Dimitrije Nikolić
; Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
Aleksandar Dimitrijević
; Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Ivana Andrić
; Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
Goran Milošević
; Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Dejan Stevanović
; Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, Belgrade, Serbia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Aim To determine changes in the quality of life associated
with epilepsy in school-age children with newly diagnosed
uncomplicated epilepsy over the first six months after diagnosis to find points relevant for the early prevention of
deterioration in quality of life.
Methods This prospective follow-up study, performed
in University Children’s Hospital in Belgrade, enrolled 60
school-aged children with recently diagnosed epilepsy,
along with their parents. The respondents completed the
Children with Epilepsy Quality of Life immediately following the diagnosis of epilepsy and six months later.
Results Significant decline was observed in the domains
related to intrapersonal/emotional relationships by both
children (P<0.001) and their parents (P=0.03), and in the
need to keep epilepsy a secret as observed by parents
(P=0.04). Significant improvement was found in the Interpersonal/Social domain as rated by parents (P=0.001). Total quality-of-life scores, as assessed by children and parents, did not change significantly.
Conclusion Bearing in mind that stigma and intrapersonal
struggles are the major factors affecting the quality of life
in children with epilepsy, psychological and social support
is highly recommended in the first six months following
an epilepsy diagnosis. Since intrapersonal relationships improved over six months, compensating for other deteriorations in the quality of life, children with epilepsy should be
encouraged to socialize with their peers and to join organizations and actions that encourage social contact.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
336468
URI
Publication date:
20.8.2024.
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