Abstract:
Background: Epilepsy is among the most common neurological disorders and is highly treatable
with currently available antiepileptic drugs at a reasonable cost. In Ethiopia, although several
studies have revealed a high prevalence of epilepsy, little is known about the predictors of poorly
controlled seizures. Thus, this study aimed to assess epilepsy treatment outcomes and associated
factors among patients with epilepsy on follow-up at the ambulatory care unit of Jimma
University Medical Center (JMC).
Objective: To assess treatment outcomes and associated factors of epilepsy among pediatric
patients on follow-up at JMC, Jimma, Ethiopia.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among all children with
epilepsy attending the pediatric neurology clinic of JMC. The study was conducted from October
1, 2024, to January 1, 2025. The total sample size was 170. Participants were selected using a
systematic random sampling method, and data were collected using structured questionnaires
through Kobo Toolbox. The collected data were exported to Stata/MP 17 for analysis. Logistic
regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the outcome variables.
Statistical significance was considered at a *p*-value of less than 0.05.
Result: Overall, 170 child-caregiver pairs were successfully interviewed. Notably, 40.6% of the
children were in the 6–10-year age group. The majority of pediatric epilepsy patients (88.2%)
exhibited generalized tonic-clonic seizures, with rare instances of absence, focal unaware, or
myoclonic seizures (<4% each). The study revealed that 65.3% (*n* = 111) achieved controlled
seizures, while 34.7% (*n* = 59) remained uncontrolled.
Conclusion: This study highlights that 65.3% of pediatric epilepsy patients at Jimma Medical
Center achieved seizure control, while 34.7% remained uncontrolled, indicating gaps in care.
Key barriers included non-adherence to medication, Drug shortages, transportation challenges,
limited diagnostic tools, and comorbidities such as cerebral palsy.
Recommendation: To improve outcomes, I recommend expanding access to EEG and
neuroimaging, enhancing caregiver education, and integrating epilepsy care into primary health
systems
