Differences in Epilepsy Self-Management Behaviors among Young and Older Adults

The purpose of this study is to assess self-management behaviors among adults with epilepsy and explore differences in behaviors among different age groups. People with epilepsy (n=417) responded to an online or paper-based survey that assessed the frequency of conducting epilepsy self-management behaviors. Responses were analyzed by age group (18- 29, 30-49, and 50+). The majority was Caucasian, female, aged 30-39, and had some college or higher. The impact of epilepsy on respondents differed by age group for a number of areas including reports of being bothered by seizures (F(2, 414)=7.23, p=.001), being bothered by work limitations (F(2, 414)=3.78, p=.024), and being bothered by the mental effects of antiepileptic medicine (F(2, 413)=3.20, p=.042).Social support varied by age group with younger respondents reporting more social support than older respondents (F(2, 414)=3.36, p=.035). Younger people with epilepsy (< 30 years) also reported lower conduct of safety, wellness and treatment behaviors than the older age groups. Generally, social support, safety management, and lifestyle behaviors were conducted less frequently by respondents. Acknowledging the variation in self-management behaviors of people with epilepsy by different age groups may contribute to health care system interventions that tailor education to promote self-care and empowerment for shared medical decision-making.