Affiliate stigma and caregiver burden in parents of children with epilepsy

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the current status of affiliated stigma and caregiver burden among parents of children with epilepsy, analyze their correlation, and identify factors influencing affiliated stigma. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 194 parents of children with epilepsy who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China. Data were collected through questionnaires, including a demographic information sheet, an affiliated stigma scale, and a caregiver burden scale. Results: The results revealed that parents of children with epilepsy experienced a moderate level of affiliated stigma, with an average score of 54.92 +/- 10.44. Similarly, caregiver burden scores fell within the moderate range, with an average score of 44.14 +/- 16.02. Factors influencing affiliated stigma scores included the frequency of epileptic seizures in children, the types of anti-epileptic medications taken by children, and the place of residence. The total caregiver burden score and scores in various dimensions (emotional, cognitive, and behavioral) of caregivers for epilepsy patients were positively correlated with the affiliated stigma score. Affiliated stigma was found to independently explain 21.3 % of the variation in caregiver burden. Conclusion: In the future, healthcare professionals should develop targeted interventions for children with epilepsy and their parents to reduce affiliated stigma, decrease caregiver burden, and enhance the caregiving capabilities of parents of children with epilepsy. These measures are essential to improve the overall well-being of both parents and children affected by epilepsy.