A qualitative descriptive study of the lived experiences of school-aged children with epilepsy

• Published in: Journal of pediatric health care 2002-05, Vol.16 (3), p.131-137
• Main Authors: Hightower, Susan, Carmon, Myra, Minick, Ptlene
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Child; Epilepsy - drug therapy; Epilepsy - psychology; Female; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Nursing; Self-Assessment; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0891-5245
• DOI: 10.1016/S0891-5245(02)95956-0

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of children's personal experiences with epilepsy to guide health care providers in providing care to these children. This qualitative study examined the experiences of eight children, ages 9 to 12 years, who have epilepsy. The audiotaped interviews were guided by eight open-ended questions designed by the researchers. The taped interviews were later transcribed and discussed by the researchers. Patterns identified from the interviews were (a) my seizure medications; (b) seizures are not fun; (c) what my friends think about seizures; (d) what I do for fun; and (e) ways I live with my seizures. Several themes were identified from each of the patterns. These findings suggest that children with epilepsy dislike having seizures and taking seizure medication; friends provide significant relationships and support; children with epilepsy participate in sports; and children with epilepsy are cognizant of auras and ways to prevent seizures. Through these school-aged children's experiences and perceptions, pediatric nurse practitioners and other health care providers can establish developmentally appropriate, comprehensive methods to help these children cope with epilepsy and seizures.