Clinical and demographic characteristics and quality of life in patients with epilepsy

To assess the influence of different clinical and demographic variables on the quality of life (QOL) in patients with epilepsy in Iran. Seventy six patients with epilepsy in Sina neurology clinic within 6 months were included in this study.Quality of life was measured by the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31) that was standardized for Iranian epileptic patients. Using multiple regression analysis, we determined the variables were associated with QOLIE-31 overall and subscale scores. Seizure frequency, was found to be risk factor for QOLIE-31 overall and subscale scores. Seizure frequency was a strong predictor for Energy/Fatigue, Seizure Worry and Medication Effects. Age had significant association with social function score. Higher education years in patient and caregiver had an association with QOLIE-31 overall score. This study confirms that seizure frequency, the education and older age are strong predictors of QOL in patient s with epilepsy. Interventions focusing on reduce seizure frequency, and identification of factors that intervene with the patient's education is necessary for improving QOL in these patients.