Conditions of life for children suffering from epilepsy, 2008

This study examines the living conditions of epileptic children in Denmark. It is focused on the welfare of the children, the condition and family circumstance. The Danish Epilepsy Association has carried out this survey in order to obtain scientific and coherent knowledge of the living conditions of epileptic children and their parents. The respondents are 240 epileptic children aged 11 - 17 and 248 of the children''s parents. All respondents are members of the Danish Epilepsy Association. The survey examines the living conditions, welfare and family and housing conditions of the epileptic children. Furthermore, the parents were asked how satisfied they are with the services provided by the association. The Danish Epilepsy Association has co-operated with a number of recognized scientists and specialists in order to ensure the validity of the study. The collection of the data has been designed to show consideration for the children''s condition as well as their age. Exact questions concerning the severity of the condition, medication and treatment will be answered by the parents as far as possible. Part of the study is focused on the children''s answers concerning their own welfare, the limitations of their condition, and how often they are in contact with their friends etc. The answers given by the children and the parents are combined when it is relevant e.g. the questions regarding the limitations imposed by the conditions. In the analysis comparisons are made to similar studies regarding the welfare and social lives of children who does not suffer from epilepsy.