An Evaluation of Knowledge of Womens Issues in Female Patients with Epilepsy
Abstract number :
3.221
Submission category :
Year :
2001
Submission ID :
420
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2001, 06:00 AM
Authors :
L. Long, MS,CNP, Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; J. McAuley, R.Ph, PhD, Pharmacy Practice, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; J.L. Moore, MD, Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; D. Cambier, MD, Neurology, The Ohio
RATIONALE: The knowledge and perception of female patients with epilepsy is important for family planning and the overall management of this condition. While there has been a recent focus on women issues and epilepsy, there are no data assessing what female patients actually know and perceive about their disorder. We report the first objective study in the United States evaluating this topic.
METHODS: Female patients with epilepsy evaluated in a Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (CEC) completed the Knowledge of Womens Issues in Epilepsy (KOWIE) survey. The survey included topics such as AED effects on oral contraceptives and bone mass, safety during pregnancy, and perceptions of various topics.
RESULTS: Fourty-eight of 55 patients were included in data analysis. Seven were excluded due to having a diagnosis other than epilepsy. The average age and number of years with epilesy was 34 (+/-13.7) and 15 (+/-15), respectively. The average years of education was 13.5 (+/- 5.49). While the majority of patients knew that women with epilepsy (WWE) can conceive healthy children, 31% were afraid to have children due to their diagnosis. Approximately 17% were told by a previous health care professional that WWE should not have children. Thirty-one percent were unaware that women taking AEDs have the option of breast feeding. Thirty percent were unaware of the potential effects of AEDs on oral contraceptives or the importance of folic acid during pregnancy. Fourty-eight percent did not know the potential correlation between AEDs and reduced bone mass.
CONCLUSIONS: Many female patients with epilepsy are not knowledgeable about womens issues. While providing educational intervention is a key component for clarifying misconceptions, of equal importance is assessing whether or not the information provided is not only accurate, but also understood and retained.
Support: Elan Pharmaceutical and Pfizer Pharmaceutical
Disclosure: Grant - Pfizer Pharmaceutical
Novartis Pharmaceutical
Elan Pharmaceutical
GlaxcoWellcome
Consulting - Elan Pharmaceutical
Novartis Pharmaceutical
Honoraria - Elan Pharmaceutical
Parke-Davis (Pfizer Pharmaceutical)
Other - NA