Family functioning, parental anxiety and coping skills in children with epilepsy

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the family functioning, anxiety and coping skills of parents of children with epilepsy according to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Method: The study population included either mothers or fathers of 60 children at 6 to 16 years of age, who were diagnosed with epilepsy in Karadeniz Technical University Medical School Pediatric Neurology Clinic in November 2006 to June 2007. Control group included either mothers or fathers (matched with patient group in terms of age, gender, level of education and place of residence: village, township, town centre) of 60 healthy children aged between 6 to 16 years. Sociode mographic Data Form, Family Assessment Device, State Anxiety Inventory, and Cope Attitudes Scale were applied to all participants, respectively. Findings: Parents of children with epilepsy were found to be dysfunctional in respect of family functions (roles, emotional reaction, care giving, general functions) when compared to parents of healthy children. Additionally, level of anxiety in parents of children with epilepsy was more than the level observed in parents of healthy children. In respect of coping skills, mental coping strategies of parents having epileptic children were found to be significantly lower than parents of healthy children. Discussion and Conclusion: Having a child with epilepsy effects family functioning negatively besides significantly increasing the level of anxiety in parents. On the other hand, coping skills are not affected significantly.