The age of onset of epilepsy and its relation to education, employment and marital status.

Abstract

Abstract:Background: psychiatric and behavioral disorders and educational, neuropsychological, and social problems have been repeatedly reported in patients with epilepsy.Objective: in order to determine the age of onset of epilepsy and its relationship to education, employment, and marital status in Baghdad (Al- Amen city).Methodology: Across section study which included 254 registered patients 120 female and 134 male in Al-Amen public clinic. All the patients and their parents were interviewed about time of onset of epilepsy. Patients under 18 years of age were excluded in order to find the effect of age of onset on marital, and employment status.Results: The mean age of onset was lower in males 16 ± 15.9 years than in females 19.6 ± 17.6 years. The peak age of onset occurred in 5-14 year's age group. There were significant associations between age of onset of epilepsy and education level, marital status and employment.Conclusion: education and employment status of epileptic patients is bad thus considerable efforts are needed to improve it