مختصر البحث:
Abstract---Background: Epilepsy is a widespread health issue that has major consequences for people of all ages. Since they appear to be more likely to experience despair, stress, worry, and discomfort, parents of children with epilepsy have reporte…
Abstract---Background: Epilepsy is a widespread health issue that has major consequences for people of all ages. Since they appear to be more likely to experience despair, stress, worry, and discomfort, parents of children with epilepsy have reported greater negative effects and poor psychological and physical health. Many caregivers struggle with patience and effective adversity adaptation. Therefore, easing parents' psychological distress and stigma will enable them to give their kids the greatest care possible, which will aid in the children' recovery. Objective aims to: Assess stigma and psychological distress among caregivers of children with epilepsy and Find out relationship between psychological distress and stigma of caregivers and their socio-demographic data. Methodology: A descriptive (correlational) quantitative study design has been carried out from September 22th 2021 to February 11th 2022 in order to assess stigma and psychological distress among caregivers of children with epilepsy and to find out the relationship between stigma and psychological distress of caregiver and their socio-demographic characteristics. A non-probability sampling technique (purposive sample) of (72) caregivers of children with epilepsy in Najaf City / Najaf Health Directorate / Sadr Medical City (Middle Euphrates Center for Neurosciences in Najaf Governorate). Results: The study found that the majority of caregivers are mothers (63.9%), and (36.1%) of them were in the age group range between (41 -49) years, married (80.6%), average education level (31.9%)were secondary school, barely sufficient income (45.8%), housewives (43.1%) live in the city (77.8%), The results of the study revealed that caregivers of children with epilepsy have moderate level of psychological distress(47.2%)and moderate level of social stigma(41.7%) , it also revealed a statistical relationship between psychological distress, stigma and some of socio- demographic data at p ≤ 0.05 . Conclusion: The majority of subjects have moderate levelof stigma (41.7%) and moderate level of psychological distress (47.2%). There is a significant relationship (P < 0.05) between level of stigma and some of the socio-demographic characteristics (caregiver, age , number of children and level of education). The measure of the level of psychological distress as well as the level of social stigma were average that a positive significant correlation (r=0.502) between psychological distress and social stigma. Recommendations: The present study recommends that educating families of epileptic patients through (educational programs) can help parents feel less stressed out by educating them about the disease, its symptoms, and how to interact with the patient. Collaborating with religious organizations to eliminate any stigma or stereotype about the condition that impacts children with epilepsy's future in all spheres of life, including as school, job, and marriage, thereby reducing the psychological burden on the patient and his family.
Keywords---stigma, psychological distress, caregivers, epilepsy.
