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. 2025 Jan 31;15(1):3899.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-86268-5.

Incidence and predictors of seizure-related injuries among epileptic patients undergoing follow-up treatment at public hospitals in Central Ethiopia

Selamawit Wondale Begizew  1 , Bethelhem Birhanu Muluneh  2 , Taye Mezgebu Ashine  3 , Asnakech Zekiwos Heliso  4 , Getachew Ossabo Babore  5 , Elias Ezo Ereta  6 , Sentayehu Admasu Saliya  4 , Awoke Girma Hailu  4 , Elias Nigusu Abdisa  7
Affiliations

Incidence and predictors of seizure-related injuries among epileptic patients undergoing follow-up treatment at public hospitals in Central Ethiopia

Selamawit Wondale Begizew et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Seizure-related injuries represent a significant concern for both individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers. Compared to the general population, those diagnosed with epilepsy face a heightened risk of sustaining injuries. Despite this, there is a notable scarcity of data regarding seizure-related injuries among epileptic patients. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of seizure-related injuries and identify their predictors among epileptic patients undergoing follow-up treatment at selected public hospitals in Central Ethiopia, in 2023. A prospective follow-up study was carried out in selected public hospitals in central Ethiopia. The study included epileptic patients aged ≥ 18 years who had not experienced any previous injury during follow-up treatment from January 1st, 2023, to December 31st, 2023. Data collection involved conducting interviews with participants using a structured questionnaire and reviewing patients' charts. Univariate analysis, multivariate, and regression analysis were performed to identify potential associations between variables and seizure-related injuries. Variables were deemed significantly associated with seizure-related injuries if they attained a p value of 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Out of the 561 participants, 265 (47.2%) experienced seizure-related injuries (95% CI 43.12, 51.38). The incidence density rate of seizure-related injuries among epileptic patients was 11.97 per 100 person-months of observation (95% CI 10.61, 13.50). In multivariate analysis, epileptic patients who had generalized tonic-clonic seizures (adjusted hazard ratio 1.4, 95% CI 1.07-1.84), comorbidities (adjusted hazard ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.11-1.71), were on polytherapy drug regimens (adjusted hazard ratio 1.80, 95% CI 0.30-2.49), and consumed alcoholic drinks (adjusted hazard ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.21-1.89) were identified as independent predictors of seizure-related injuries. The incidence rate of seizure-related injuries among epileptic patients was found to be significant. Risk factors identified included experiencing generalized tonic-clonic seizures, having at least one additional health condition, being on multiple medications, and consuming alcohol. To improve survival from injuries, targeted precautions for generalized tonic-clonic seizures, strict adherence to prescribed medication regimens, and avoiding alcohol consumption are recommended.

Keywords: Epileptic; Ethiopia; Predictors; Seizure; Seizure-related injury.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethical approval and consent to participate: Ethical consideration was obtained from the institutional review board of Wachemo University (protocol number = wcu-IRB 029/22). The Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Wachemo University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences provided the ethical letter and the medical directors of the hospitals where the data was collected provided written approval. Following an explanation of the study’s purpose, potential benefits, and the estimated time required to complete the interview, oral and written informed consent was obtained from each participating epileptic patient before proceeding with the procedure. Every single piece of information taken from the medical records was kept private and utilized just for this purpose. All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations’ in the manuscript. Consent for publication: Not applicable.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Diagramatic presentation of sampling technique epileptic patients on follow-up treatment in the selected public hospitals of the central Ethiopia region, 2023.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Drug adherence status of epileptic patients attending follow-up at public hospitals in Central Ethiopia Region, 2023.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Anti epileptic drug regimen of epileptic patients attending follow-up at public hospitals in Central Ethiopia Region, 2023.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Anti epileptic drug frequency of epileptic patients attending follow-up at public hospitals in Central Ethiopia Region, 2023.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Kaplan–Meier failure curve for epileptic patients undergoing follow-up treatment in public hospitals in Central Ethiopia, 2023 (n = 561).
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Cox-snell residual test to evaluate the proportional assumption of each covariate and the overall cox proportional hazard model.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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