Abstract

Introduction: In childhood, convulsions are common neurological conditions in pediatric emergency service and cause stress in both families and healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was comparison of parents’ anxiety level during febrile seizure and epileptic convulsion in pediatric emergency service.

Methods: A questionnaire which included socio-demographic-clinical data form and state-trait anxiety inventory was applied to the parents in the first 24 hours of convulsions. Comparisons were made between the febrile seizure and epileptic convulsion group and between the same group’s mother and father.

Results: Total 133 patients included the study, 69 patient was febrile seizures and 64 patient was epileptic convulsions. A total of 183 parents agreed to participate in the study: 64 mothers and 33 fathers in the febrile seizure group, and 58 mothers and 28 fathers in the epileptic convulsion group. Parents’ anxiety level was similar between febrile seizure and epileptic convulsion groups. The parents’ state and trait anxiety scores were compared to determine the anxiety levels of before and during the convulsion, the differences were statistically significant. The state anxiety scores of the parents increased in both febrile seizure and epileptic convulsion group. The state and trait anxiety scores of the mothers were significantly higher than the fathers, regardless type, and repetition numbers of convulsion.

Conclusion: In our study, it was shown that all convulsions cause parental anxiety. Information and psychological support about convulsion should be equally given to all parents.