Evaluation of the Anxiety Level of Mothers of Children with Epilepsy during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Abstract

<b><i>Background and Aim:</i></b> Although anyone can be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it may cause additional concern for people with chronic conditions. Epilepsy is the most common neurological disease in childhood and adolescence. The aim of this study was to determine anxiety levels among the mothers of children under follow-up for epilepsy in our clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The study group consisted of the mothers of epilepsy patients who were under follow-up in the pediatric neurology outpatient clinic of the tertiary care center and were scheduled for a routine examination during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mothers’ anxiety levels according to the Beck Anxiety Inventory and their opinions about COVID-19 in relation to their child were assessed and compared based on whether the mother/patient attended their appointments in person and whether the child had frequent or infrequent seizures. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was no statistically significant difference in anxiety level between the mothers of 64 children with epilepsy who attended their appointment during the pandemic and those of the mothers of 52 who did not attend their appointment. However, the mothers of children with frequent seizures had significantly higher anxiety levels. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Anxiety level of mothers whose children have frequent seizures was significantly higher compared to mothers whose children have infrequent seizures. It is important to be aware about this point and using telemedicine approach in suitable population and postpone routine outpatient follow-up appointments as much as possible.

COVID-19 and parents of children with epilepsy: Experiences and positive changes

“…In the study of Celik et al, mothers exhibited high levels of anxiety when their children had frequent seizures was significantly higher compared to mothers whose children have infrequent seizures, during the pandemic. However, no statistical difference was observed between mothers of CAWE who attended their appointment during the pandemic and those of the mothers who did not attend their follow-up appointment ( 27 ). On the contrary, a study in Sri Lanka showed low levels of stress among caregivers of CAWE during COVID-19 ( 11 ).…”

Parents’ Fears about Hospital Visits and Trait Anxiety in the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…This is consistent with the previous evidence that there was remarkable refraining from seeing a doctor during the pandemic [ 5 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Celik et al reported that parents of patients with epilepsy with a risk of unscheduled emergency visits were more anxious about COVID-19 infection associated with hospital visits than parents of patients without it [ 14 ]. Similarly, parents of patients with allergy may be more sensitive than those of healthy children due to the possibility of unscheduled emergency visits.…”

The psychological aspects of parents who take care of children with chronic illnesses: A Review of the literature

“…Full vaccination appeared to further reduce parental stress. [6,13] However, Kostopoulou et al, (2021) and Wauters et al, (2021) showed a positive correlation between the pandemic and parental stress, depressive symptoms and parental burnout. [18,19] Limitations of the study Throughout this study, several limitations appeared.…”