Factors associated with superior self-management skills among individuals with epilepsy

Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether the self-management skills of patients with epilepsy are associated with certain demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables. Methods: A direct survey of 182 patients, including the Epilepsy Self-Management Scale, was conducted. Results: On univariate analysis, higher age, the occurrence of convulsions, and the use of religion as a coping mechanism were associated with higher self-management scores. On multiple linear regression, only age and the presence of convulsions remained independently significant. Older individuals employed more medication management skills. Those who experienced convulsions utilized more information management, seizure management, and lifestyle management skills. However, using binary logistic regression, we found that these subscales were not independently significant. The presence of superior self-management skills did not necessarily translate into decreased seizure frequency. Conclusion: Individuals with epilepsy who are older and experience convulsions generally have better self-management skills. This indicates that antecedents influence the development of self-management skills. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.