Talking about epilepsy: Challenges parents face when communicating with their child about epilepsy and epilepsy-related issues

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
S O'TooleJoan K Austin

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the challenges that parents of children with epilepsy experienced when engaging in dialog with their child about epilepsy and epilepsy-related issues. Using a qualitative exploratory approach, interviews were conducted with 34 parents of children with epilepsy (aged 6-16 years), consisting of 27 mothers and 7 fathers. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Findings revealed five main themes: normalizing epilepsy, the invisibility of epilepsy, information concealment, fear of misinforming the child, and difficulty in discussing particular epilepsy-related issues. Many of the communicative challenges experienced by parents impacted on their ability to engage openly in parent-child dialog about epilepsy in the home. Parents face specific challenges when choosing to communicate with their child about epilepsy, relating to creating a sense of normality, reducing fear of causing their child worry, and having a lack of epilepsy-related knowledge. Healthcare professionals who work closely with families living with epilepsy should remain mindful of the importance of discussing family communication surrounding epilepsy and the challenges parents of children with epilepsy...Continue Reading

References

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Citations

Oct 27, 2016·Seizure : the Journal of the British Epilepsy Association·Steven C Schachter
Jun 2, 2018·British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·Lily Chi VuTerence J O'Brien
Mar 7, 2017·Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing·Woo Joung Joung, Myungsun Yi
Aug 27, 2019·Journal of Health Psychology·Stephanie O'TooleVeronica Lambert
Aug 28, 2020·Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B·Suzanne M NevinElizabeth E Palmer
Aug 24, 2021·Journal of Pediatric Nursing·Susan B FowlerRebekah Dailidonis

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