Determinants of uncontrolled seizures among pediatric epilepsy patients in Debre Tabor comprehensive specialized hospitals Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

The cornerstone of achieving remission for epileptic patients is anti-seizure medication (ASM). An effective anti-seizure pharmaceutical therapy can lead to seizure independence by reducing or eliminating symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate treatment outcomes for epilepsy and related factors among pediatric patients in Debre Tabor Comprehensive specialized Hospital.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study involving 300 children with epilepsy was conducted. Structured questionnaires were employed to collect data through interviews and a review of the patients’ medical records. EpiData version 4.6.6 was utilized for data entry, while SPSS version 25 was utilized for analysis. The relationship between the independent and dependent variables was established using logistic regression, with a -value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULT

In this study, 300 pediatric patients were included, with a mean age of 8.2 ± 4.2 years. The most common type of seizure (66%) was a generalized seizure. Monotherapy was utilized by 64.3% of patients, with phenytoin prescribed in 47.7% of cases. The current study revealed that 62.3% of patients had uncontrolled seizures. Female gender (AOR = 0.515, 95% CI: 0.285–0.931,  = 0.028), primary education of caregivers (AOR = 0.436, 95% CI: 0.192–0.99,  = 0.047), and family history of epilepsy (AOR = 0.363, 95% CI: 0.153–0.857,  = 0.021) decreased the odds of uncontrolled seizures, while polytherapy with anti-seizure medications significantly increased the odds of uncontrolled seizures (AOR = 6.79, 95% CI: 3.221–14.311,  < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study found that a significant proportion of pediatric patients with epilepsy experienced poor seizure control, with 62.3% reporting uncontrolled seizures. Factors such as female gender, primary education of caregivers, and a family history of epilepsy were associated with a lower likelihood of uncontrolled seizures. Conversely, polytherapy with anti-seizure medications (ASMs) significantly increased the risk of uncontrolled seizures. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions aimed at improving seizure management, particularly for patients on multiple medications. Enhancing caregiver education and awareness of seizure triggers may also contribute to better treatment outcomes. Future research should explore specific strategies to address these risk factors and enhance treatment outcomes.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-025-05989-8.