Self-management practice of people with epilepsy in Viet Nam and associated factors

Objectives: This study aimed to determine (1) the self-management practice of people with epilepsy and (2) the associated factors, including sociodemographic and clinical variables. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at two neurology clinics in Ho Chi Minh City from October 2022 to June 2023. We included 147 adults with epilepsy and measured their self-management practices using the Vietnamese Epilepsy Self-Management Scale (V-ESMS). Additionally, we collected data on sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables through questionnaires. Results: Results showed a moderate overall V-ESMS score (131.32 +/- 16.53), with Medication management subscale scoring the highest and Information management scoring the lowest. Univariate analysis revealed educational level as the significant factor influencing self-management practices (p = 0.001), with higher education correlating with better scores across all subscales except Medication and Safety. Conclusion: Individuals with epilepsy who achieved higher education levels had better self-management practices. This finding suggests that educational interventions could significantly enhance self-management practices among people with epilepsy.