Treatment outcomes and associated factors of pediatric Epilepsy at jimma medical center, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional Study

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