The effect of caregivers' knowledge, attitudes and behaviors on the physical activity level of the child with epilepsy

This study was planned to investigate the effect of caregivers' knowledge, attitudes and behaviors on the physical activity level of the child with epilepsy. 55 children diagnosed with epilepsy, aged between 5 and 18, and their caregivers were included in the study. After the demographic information of the children and their families was recorded, the severity of epilepsy in children was evaluated with the "The Global Assessment of Severity of Epilepsy Scale", the level of physical activity was evaluated with the "Physical Activity Questionnaire", and their quality of life was evaluated with the "PedsQL™ 4.0 Short Form 15" and "PedsQL™ Epilepsy Module". Caregivers' knowledge about epilepsy is measured by the "The Epilepsy Knowledge Scale for Parents", their attitudes and behaviors towards the child with epilepsy are measured by a question group consisting of closed-ended questions, their fears about epilepsy are measured by the "Epilepsy Related-Fears In Parents Questionnare", their depression level is measured by the "Beck Depression Inventory", anxiety level was evaluated with the "Beck Anxiety Inventory", and concerns about epilepsy were evaluated with the " The Parents' Anxiety About Seizures Scale ". As a result of the study, no relationship was found between the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of caregivers and the physical activity level and quality of life of the child with epilepsy (p>0.05). In addition, no significant relationship was found between the caregivers' fear, depression, anxiety and anxiety levels and the physical activity level of the child with epilepsy (p>0.05). However, it was found that there were weakly statistically significant relationships between caregivers' anxiety and depression levels regarding seizures and the quality of life epilepsy module for children (p<0.05). Although there was no relationship between the knowledge level, attitude and behavior of parents and the physical activity level of children with epilepsy, in the light of the relevant literature, it is shown that increasing the knowledge level of families is important for the child's physical activity participation. It is thought that evaluations and interventions aimed at improving the anxiety and depression levels of caregivers during the rehabilitation of a child with epilepsy may also be a factor in improving the child's quality of life. Key Words: epilepsy, caregiver, physical activity, quality of life