Abstracts

RATIONALE: We wish to establish validity for a questionnaire used to assess quality of life issues in youths with epilepsy. METHODS: Sixteen youths,ages 11 to 17 years(6M,10F),with the following diagnoses: generalized seizure disorder,n=5;complex seizure disorder,n=3; healthy controls,n=8; completed the Quality of Life Inventory for Youths with Epilepsy. Self-concept, home life, school life, social activities,and medicines were the domains investigated. RESULTS: Statistical differences were noted in the self-concept and medicine domains. Youths with epilepsy scored lower in both domains. A statistically significant correlation (p=0.04)was found between school life and self-concept scores among the youth with epilepsy. The average total quality of life score for youths with epilepsy was 20 points lower than the score for youths without epilepsy on a 170-point scale. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study were similar to results noted in a previous pilot study. The literature also supports the study. Construct validity for the Quality of Life Inventory for Youths with Epilepsy needs futher investigation. However, the tool may be useful in identifying issues and concerns and can be used as a blueprint for clinical interventions for improving quality of life.