Cognition and behavior in a prevalent cohort of children with epilepsy in rural northern Tanzania: A three-year follow up study.
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Authors
Powell, Kathryn
Walker, Richard
Gray, William K.
Issue Date
2015
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
epilepsy , Tanzania
Alternative Title
Abstract
Objectives: Eighty-five percent of the 33 million children with epilepsy (CWE) worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There is limited research into epilepsy-related comorbidities in LMICs, and there are no studies of the long-term progression of behavioral and intellectual difficulties in childhood epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to assess behavior and cognition at three-year follow-up in CWE in rural Tanzania.
Methods: In 2010, a cross-sectional study identified 112 CWE 6 to 14years of age and 113 age- and sex-matched controls in the Hai district of northern Tanzania. From March to June 2013, cases and controls (now 10 to 18years of age) were followed up. At baseline, behavior was assessed using the Rutter A Questionnaire and cognition using the Goodenough-Harris Drawing Test. Details of current seizure frequency and antiepileptic drug (AED) use among CWE were collected.
Results: At follow-up, cases had significantly more behavioral difficulties compared with controls (48% of 108 cases versus 14% of 103 controls (p<0.001)). Additionally, 69% of the cases and 16% of the controls had cognitive impairment (p<0.001). In CWE with decreased seizure frequency from baseline to follow-up, behavior had improved significantly. At follow-up, there was no significant difference in behavior between CWE with decreased seizure frequency and those with good seizure control throughout.
Significance: Behavioral difficulties and cognitive impairment are common among CWE in this population. Improved access to AED treatment and subsequent improved seizure control may reduce the frequency of behavioral difficulties seen in this population.
Description
Citation
Powell, K., Walker, R. W., Rogathe, J., et al. (2015). Cognition and behavior in a prevalent cohort of children with epilepsy in rural northern Tanzania: A three-year follow-up study.�Epilepsy & behavior; 51 : 117-123.
Publisher
License
Journal
Epilepsy and Behavior
Volume
Issue
ISSN
1525-5050