Care Needs of Parents With Epileptic Children: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Understanding the care needs of parents with epileptic children is crucial, as they experience unique challenges affecting their mental and physical health. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the needs of parents caring for children with epilepsy. Methods: This is a systematic review study. A search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for related articles published from 1975 to 2023, using keywords “epilepsy”, “children”, “parents”, “caregivers”, “care needs”, and “unmet needs”. The review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Finally, 30 articles were selected for review after quality appraisal using the critical appraisal skills program (CASP) and strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) checklists. Results: The care needs were identified as psychological, educational, supportive, economic, social, and unmet needs. Parents expressed their supportive, economic, and social needs to reduce the burden of caregiving; their educational needs to cope with epilepsy; their psychological needs to reduce stress and anxiety; and their unmet needs to reduce emotional distress. Conclusions: To improve the health status of children with epilepsy, their parents' care needs should first be considered. The healthcare providers should provide health care services to the parents of epileptic children tailored to the identified needs.