Abstracts

Rationale: Despite the many advancements regarding knowledge of epilepsy in the medical community, many people worldwide harbor misconceptions about the disorder, and include people living with epilepsy. This is particularly apparent among people of low socioeconomic status (SES). In the past there has been some literature on patient knowledge of epilepsy. A literature review performed in the UK published in 1993 (Elliot and Shneker, Epilepsy and Behavior 2008) assesses the lay public's knowledge of epilepsy using the Jarvie et al Epilepsy Knowledge Profile EKP-General scale (Jarvie et al, Seizure 1993) and and the patient's knowledge of it using the EKP-Personal scale (Jarvie et al, Seizure 1993). To date, there has been no formal Epilepsy educational program implemented exclusively Ben Taub General Hospital, the largest municipal health care facility in Houston, TX, which delivers care to all residents of Harris County regardless of their ability to pay. Based on the studies referenced above, there exists evidence that low income or low SES populations have limited knowledge about epilepsy and treatment options (Szaflarski et al, Epilepsy and Beh. Sep 2006).Methods: The study design is a cross sectional survey. Informed consent was obtained from the patients prior to the study. The patients enrolled were asked to fill out a pre test questionnaire (EKP-P) that defines their extent of knowledge of epilepsy. A total of 43 patients enrolled in the study and recruitment is ongoing.Results: The results are summarized in table 1 and 2. Of note, the average educational level for most respondents (>70%) was high school or less and the average duration of seizures for the patient was twelve and a half years. Furthermore, the demographic data revealed that more than half of the patient population was African American or Hispanic and that 51% of patients had an annual income of less than $10,000. These results emphasize that race and SES are important predictors of seizure knowledge in patients with epilepsy. Conclusions: Studies such as these demonstrate that level of education and low socioeconomic status are important predictors of seizure knowledge in patients with epilepsy. More research in this area is needed to see if the introduction of a formal teaching module will improve knowledge of epilepsy in this patient population and ultimately improve medication adherence and reduce seizure frequency.