The effect of self-care education on epilepsy risk awareness in patients with epilepsy and family caregivers referring to Tabriz Razi Hospital Clinic

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: In patients with epilepsy and family caregivers, epilepsy risk awareness can affect various aspects of their health. They need effective training to improve their life quality. This research aimed to compare the effect of self-care training on epilepsy risk awareness in patients with epilepsy and family caregivers using face-to-face training and pamphlet methods. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 120 patients with epilepsy and 120 family caregivers referred to the outpatient Neurology Clinic were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Epilepsy risk awar30ness questionnaires for patients and family caregivers were completed before and one month after the training. The intervention group received self-care content on epilepsy risk in a 60-minute session using the face-to-face method. The control group received the equivalent educational content using pamphlet method. Data analysis was done with SPSS 21 software using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Before training, both groups were equivalent in terms of epilepsy risk awareness scores (p>0.05). After the training, the average scores of all dimensions of epilepsy risk awareness increased significantly in both the intervention and control groups (p<0.001). Also, except for physical and mental health dimensions (p>0.05), the average scores of other dimensions were higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.01). Conclusion: Self-care education about epilepsy risk using the standard face-to-face and pamphlet methods has improved epilepsy risk awareness in patients with epilepsy and family caregivers. Face-to-face method was effective than pamphlet. According to the conditions and available facilities, nurses can facilitate their education and learning process.