Self-management practice of people with epilepsy in Viet Nam and associated factors

Epilepsy Behav. 2024 Oct:159:109979. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109979. Epub 2024 Jul 30.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine (1) the self-management practice of people with epilepsy and (2) the associated factors, including sociodemographic and clinical variables.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at two neurology clinics in Ho Chi Minh City from October 2022 to June 2023. We included 147 adults with epilepsy and measured their self-management practices using the Vietnamese Epilepsy Self-Management Scale (V-ESMS). Additionally, we collected data on sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables through questionnaires.

Results: Results showed a moderate overall V-ESMS score (131.32 ± 16.53), with Medication management subscale scoring the highest and Information management scoring the lowest. Univariate analysis revealed educational level as the significant factor influencing self-management practices (p = 0.001), with higher education correlating with better scores across all subscales except Medication and Safety.

Conclusion: Individuals with epilepsy who achieved higher education levels had better self-management practices. This finding suggests that educational interventions could significantly enhance self-management practices among people with epilepsy.

Keywords: Education; Epilepsy; Self-management; V-ESMS.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Educational Status
  • Epilepsy* / psychology
  • Epilepsy* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Self-Management*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vietnam / epidemiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants