Mental health problems in Nigerian children with epilepsy: Associations and risk factors

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder affecting children, and the greatest burden of childhood epilepsy is found in the developing countries of the world. Behavioral problems are reported to occur more frequently in children with epilepsy, but there are limited studies on the pattern of behavioral problems in children living with epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa. Eighty‐four consecutive cases of epilepsy aged ≥ 5 years seen at the pediatric neurology clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria over a period of 9 months were screened for behavioral problems using the Rutter A2 scale. Behavioral problems were found in 39 (46.6%) of 84 subjects and occurred more frequently in males. Presence of associated learning difficulties (OR 5.13, 95% CI 1.61-16.36) and being diagnosed with epilepsy within 6 months of the onset of the first epileptic seizure (OR 4.54, 95% CI 0.073-0.69) independently predicted psychopathology in the cases studied. Emotional and behavioral problems are common in Nigerian children with epilepsy. There is a need for effective mental health services for children with epilepsy in order to optimize outcomes.

► We screened for psychopathology in children with epilepsy using the Rutter A2 scale. ► Behavioral problems occur in nearly 50% of Nigerian children with epilepsy. ► Learning difficulties and less than 6 months from onset to diagnosis are risk factors. ► Prevalence in Nigeria similar to previous reports from Western countries ► Useful information given on behavioral problems in Nigerian children with epilepsy