[A case-control study on the risk factors and other socio-psychological factors of epilepsy].

OBJECTIVE

To identify the risk factors and socio-psychological condition of epilepsy in general population.

METHODS

A community-based, pair-matched case-control study using the epileptic patients living in Zhujing town, Jinshan district, Shanghai was carried out. Patients were matched for age (+/-1 years) and gender to controls (81 cases and 81 controls). Data was analyzed with multiple conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

As a result of multiple logistic regression, postnatal insults (OR = 6.517), alcohol intake (OR = 10.761) and family history (OR = 5.414) were powerfully associated with epilepsy. Compared with control group, epileptic patients were significantly different in socio-psychological condition, especially in > or = 17 years adult patients.

CONCLUSION

Postnatal insults, alcohol intake and family history were the risk factors of epilepsy. Psychological and psychiatric disorders were highly prevalent among epilepsy patients.