A Comparative Study of Socio-demographic Characteristics, School Enrolment and Risk Factors of Epilepsy Between Children with and Co-existing Cerebral Palsy in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy and cerebral palsy have been reported as the two most common neurologic disorders in children's outpatient clinics in Nigeria. Studies in Nigeria reported high epilepsy prevalence among children with CP.

Objectives: To compare the socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors of epilepsy between children with epilepsy and co-existing cerebral palsy and those without co-existing cerebral palsy.

Methods: The study was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted from March 2022 to February 2023. One hundred and twenty-one (121) children with epilepsy and co-existing cerebral palsy (Group 1), and one hundred and twenty-four (124) children with epilepsy but without co-existing cerebral palsy (Group 2) were recruited into the study.

Results: In both groups, the age ranged from 6 months to 15 years. Children in Group 2 had significantly higher socio-economic status (35; 28.2%) than in Group 1 (18; 14.9%) (p = 0.03). Children in Group 2 had significantly higher school enrolment than those in Group 1. Eighty-six children in Group 2 were of school age, of whom 73 (84.9%) were enrolled in school, whereas in Group 1, out of 38 of school-age children, only 11 (28.9%) were enrolled in school (p < 0.001). All the children in Group 1 had identifiable risk factors for epilepsy, compared to 69.4% in Group 2.

Conclusion: Children with epilepsy without associated cerebral palsy have better socio-demographics and unknown risk factors for epilepsy.