Correlates of epilepsy self-management in MEW Network participants

Data were derived from the Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) research network database containing epilepsy S-M data on 436 PWE participating in five studies conducted recently throughout the U.S. Common data elements included sociodemographics, clinical condition, and S-M behaviors covering five domains. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses found significant variation in total and domain-specific S-M skill levels and the associated characteristics of individuals. The findings from this national sample were remarkably consistent across sites and with existing theory and prior empirical studies indicating that competencies in information and lifestyle management were significantly lower than medication, safety, and seizure management. Self-management behavior levels were higher for females and those with less education, but lower in those with depression and lower quality of life. There were no significant differences by age, race/ethnicity, marital status, or seizure frequency after adjusting for other characteristics.