Family support in adults with epilepsy

Background The perception of family support in chronic disease can be relevant. Objective To assess the perception of family support in adult patients with epilepsy (PWEs) and relate it to quality of life (QoL) and clinical aspects. Methods Data from the Perceived Family Support Inventory (IPFS) of 130 PWEs were related to the clinical variables, QOLIE-31 scores, and the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E) with statistical tests, with p < 0.05. Results The mean age was 49.9 ± 17.2 years, and the duration of epilepsy was 20.8 ± 15.4 years. The presence of depression (scores ≥ 15) was associated with lower family support. Being married and non-occurrence of depression were the variables associated with a higher IPFS score (R = 0.2112), in the multiple linear regression. Conclusion The perception of greater family support was associated with demographic aspects, the absence of depression, and better QoL. Family relationships may play an essential role in health adjustment behaviors and QoL in epilepsy.