Content area
Full Text
ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the attitude towards epilepsy of children and their parents by focusing on the severity of the condition and gender of the child. The participants were 24 children in the age group of 7-10 years. Quantitative data was collected by using the Ways of Coping Questionnaire and the Child Attitude towards Illness Scale- Seizure form. Qualitative data was collected through the Semi Structured interview conducted with both parents and children. Epilepsy is more distressing in case of children with uncontrolled, recurrent seizures as well as for girls with epilepsy was established through the findings. The need for providing adequate psychological support and assistance to parents and children was highlighted. The critical value of a holistic approach to the treatment of epilepsy particularly was established.
Key words: Coping, Epilepsy, Illness Attitude, Children with Epilepsy, Holistic Epilepsy Treatment.
INTRODUCTION
Epilepsy is the most common neurological problem of childhood, and its incidence is highest in the first decade of life, a period during which children begin a critical part of their social and educational development. Children with epilepsy are at considerable risk of developing psychopathology. Studies indicate under-detection and under- treatment of psychosocial problems in this group. Children are much more vulnerable and susceptible to the adverse effects of any stressful situation; therefore it is not difficult to gauge the extent to which a chronic illness like epilepsy can hamper their emotional and psychological well being.
Epilepsy impacts the entire family and may have a significant effect on the interrelationships between child and parent as well as academic functioning. Early assessment for psychosocial problems and appropriate interventions can be beneficial for the child and family. A better understanding of the degree of satisfaction of the lives of people with epilepsy is necessary for clinicians to better help them to lead more fulfilling lives (Ashwin, et al., 2013, Rodenburg, Wagner, Austin, Kerr and Dunn, 2011).
Developmental scientists have time and again pointed out the critical role that parents and other family members play in shaping the thoughts, perceptions and attitudes of the child about his own self and the world at large. Henceforth a child who is disadvantaged by the presence of a chronic illness like epilepsy needs much more support, care and attention...