Dados do Trabalho

Título

PARENTAL KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES REGARDING NEURODEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN WITH EARLY-ONSET EPILEPSY

Introdução

Children with early-onset epilepsies face an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that parental attitudes and knowledge may influence neurodevelopmental outcomes under adverse conditions.

Objetivo

To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of parents regarding neurodevelopment in children at risk due to early-onset epilepsy.

Método

We administered a validated questionnaire to parents of children treated at a tertiary epilepsy outpatient clinic, following informed consent. The questionnaire, which was previously translated and validated for a similar population, consisted of four sections: two focused on attitudes (Section 1: 8 questions on appropriate attitudes at various developmental stages; Section 2: 8 questions on personal daily attitudes), and two on knowledge (Section 3: 25 questions on general neurodevelopment knowledge; Section 4: 33 questions on signs of developmental abnormalities). Participants included parents of children aged up to 5 years with seizure onset before age 3.

Resultados

Thirty-eight parents completed the questionnaire (3 fathers and 35 mothers, mean age 31 years, range 16 to 48 years). On knowledge sections, parents averaged 52% correct responses (range 20% to 84%) for neurodevelopment and 70% (range 12% to 91%) for signs of abnormalities. Notably, fewer than half of the parents answered correctly in 47% of neurodevelopment questions and 16% of questions on signs of abnormalities. In terms of attitudes, parents averaged 80% correct responses. A high frequency of interactive activities was reported: 97% engaged in cuddling, 95% in play, 79% in talking, and 79% in singing. However, fewer parents engaged in reading/showing books (39%), playing outdoors (45%), or painting/drawing (29%) with their children.

Conclusão

Parents of children with early-onset epilepsies exhibit varying levels of knowledge about neurodevelopment and signs of abnormalities. Although they recognize and often implement beneficial interactive practices, several important developmental activities are less frequently pursued. Further research should explore how these parental attitudes and practices might affect neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with chronic neurological conditions such as epilepsy.

Referências

2021-2022 KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES SURVEY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENTAL MONITORING IN KAZAKHSTAN - UNICEF

Palavras Chave

Neurodevelopment; early-onset epilepsy; neurodevelopmental disorders