The awareness, attitudes and knowledge of pediatricians in Tamil Nadu India of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and epilepsy related risks: A cross-sectional study
Ravichandra, Nandan Ashok, Narmada Jalihal, Virupakshi Sankar, Janani McCabe, Joanne Sekar, Ramya Rattihalli, Rohini Shankar, Rohit
Ravichandra, Nandan
Ashok, Narmada
Jalihal, Virupakshi
Sankar, Janani
McCabe, Joanne
Sekar, Ramya
Rattihalli, Rohini
Shankar, Rohit
Affiliation
University of Debrecen; Nalam Medical Centre & Hospital; Ramaiah Medical College; Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital Chenna; University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust; Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; University of Plymouth; Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
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Publication date
2025-01-31
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Abstract
Background: Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) in epilepsy is recognised to be equally common in adults and in children and young people (CYP). There is higher prevalence of epilepsy in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high income countries (HIC) however research in SUDEP is limited in LMICs such as India particularly in CYP.
Objective: To explore SUDEP awareness and attitudes to communication to CYP and their carers/parents by pediatricians in Tamil Nadu, India, one of the 28 states, with 80 million population.
Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of Likert response questions using validated themes, was circulated among the paediatric doctors fraternity in Tamil Nadu, India. Non-discriminatory exponential snowballing technique leading to convenience non-probability sampling was used. The inquiry involved SUDEP-related topics including the awareness, knowledge, need for and importance of counselling. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.
Results: Out of the 150 consenting participants, a majority were males (60.0 %), had more than 10 years of practice (80.7 %), were private practitioners (51.3 %) and working in urban areas (94 %). Over a third (35 %) did not know of SUDEP, while less than half of the participants (40.7 %) had ever counseled CYP and/or their carers on SUDEP. Nearly three quarters (73.3 %) recognised the need for training on SUDEP risk and communication.
Conclusion: There is a significant lack of SUDEP awareness and knowledge among pediatricians in Tamil Nadu India which is likely to be the case across much of India. Virtual training and education could help bridge the knowledge gap.
Citation
Ravichandra N, Ashok N, Jalihal V, Sankar J, McCabe J, Sekar R, Rattihalli R, Shankar R. The awareness, attitudes and knowledge of pediatricians in Tamil Nadu India of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and epilepsy related risks: A cross-sectional study. Epilepsy Behav. 2025 Mar;164:110286. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.110286. Epub 2025 Jan 31.
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Article