Quality of life in children and adolescents with epilepsy in Greece (pilot study)

The aim of our study was to assess the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of children and adolescents with epilepsy and the evaluation of the QOLIE-AD-48 questionnaire in Greece. Sociodemographic characteristics of the patients included in the study are presented. A sample of 55 Greek-speaking children and adolescents (aged 8-18 years) with idiopathic epilepsy who were under medical treatment and had at least one seizure in the last year were included. They completed the QOLIE-AD-48 questionnaire which examined the effect of epilepsy on several Quality of Life (QOL) aspects. In particular questions regarding epilepsy impact, memory/concentration, attitudes toward epilepsy, physical functioning, stigma, social support, school behavior and health perceptions were used. Statistical analysis demonstrated that all of the above demonstrated moderate to strong positive correlations with QOL total score with the exception of the social support subscale. This study also demonstrated that the QOLIE-AD-48 questionnaire is both a reliable and valid measure for Greek children and adolescents with epilepsy.