The Relationship between Self-Efficacy and Psychosocial Care in Adolescents with Epilepsy

Introduction. Studies about epilepsy are more associated with physiological aspects and drug therapy and far too little attention
has been paid to psychological and social care, especially in teens. Hence, the present study aimed to assess relationship between
self-efcacy and psychosocial care in adolescents with epilepsy. Methods. A cross-sectional association study was conducted on 74
consecutive adolescents aged 10 to 18 years with general attacks of epilepsy referred to Pediatric Neurology Clinics afliated with the
Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 2013. Data were collected by interview using multisegment tools including demographic
characteristics, self-efcacy scaling in children with epilepsy, and reporting tools for children psychosocial care. Results. Our study
showed a signifcant association of self-efcacy with “information received” (� < 0.02) and also with “need for information or
support” (� < 0.01) as well as “concerns and fears” (� < 0.01). Te comments of doctor or nurse were directly associated with higher
self-efcacy and patients’ information needs were inversely associated with higher self-efcacy. Conclusion. For adolescents with
epilepsy, providing educational materials such as pamphlets and booklets, designing especial websites, and setting especial meetings
with and without parents separately are recommended. Scheduling psychosocial supports and collecting more information about
this disorder for adolescents will be helpful.