Relationship between physical activity and fear of seizures, seizure frequency, stigma and quality of life in epilepsy patients

Objective: It is reported that patients with epilepsy avoid physical activity and live a sedentary life due to false beliefs that physical activity will trigger seizures, fear of injury due to seizures, etc. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of physical activity in patients with epilepsy and to examine the relationship between physical activity and fear of seizures, seizure frequency, stigma and quality of life. Method: This descriptive study was conducted in Göztepe Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital Neurology Clinic Epilepsy Outpatient Clinic between December 2024 and February 2025. Patients who admitted to outpatient clinic were administered a patient information form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Form), Fear of Disease in Epilepsy Patients Scale, Stigma Scale in Epilepsy and Epilepsy Quality of Life Scale. Results: The study was conducted with a total of 120 epilepsy patients, 48.3% (n=58) female and 51.7% (n=62) male. The mean age of the patients was 37.52±9.67 (18-62). More than half (59.2%, n=71) were married, 58.3% (n=70) had children. 13.4% (n=16) of the participants had secondary school or less education, 41.7% (n=50) had high school, 45% (n=54) were university graduates, and 41.7% (n=50) were employed. When the characteristics of the patients regarding epilepsy were examined, the mean duration of diagnosis was 14.46±7.91 (1.5-35) years. 29.2% (n=35) of the patients had a family history of epilepsy. 50.8% (n=61) of the patients have more than one seizure per month. One third (35.8%, n=43) stated that they were injured during the seizure. 90% (n=108) of the patients use antiepileptic drugs. 15% (n=18) of the participants have a comorbid disease. 28.3% (n=34) of the participants stated that epilepsy prevents physical activity, while 29.2% (n=35) think that physical activity will increase seizures. 56.7% (n=68) of the patients were inactive, 32.5% (n=39) were minimally active, and 10.8% (n=13) were very active. Physical activity level was found to be related to some dimensions of quality of life and resistance to stigma. Those who thought that physical activity triggered seizures had higher stigma scores, higher fear of seizures, and worse quality of life. Conclusion: Our study revealed that patients with epilepsy avoid physical activity. Studies have proven the benefits of physical exercise on patients with epilepsy. It is recommended that patients with epilepsy be encouraged to engage in appropriate physical activity for their physiological, psychological and social well-being. Keywords: Epilepsy, physical activity, stigma, disease related fear, quality of life