Epilepsy Behav. 2026 Apr 30;181:111065. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2026.111065. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of educational programs for children with epilepsy and/or their parents on disease management. A comprehensive literature search was performed across eight electronic databases from inception to January 20, 2026, to identify studies evaluating educational interventions for children with epilepsy and/or their parents or caregivers. Following screening and eligibility assessment, ten studies were included in the final systematic review and meta-analysis. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were independently performed by two reviewers using standardized tools. Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan software, applying fixed- or random-effects models based on heterogeneity, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. This meta-analysis included ten randomized controlled trials evaluating educational programs for children with epilepsy and/or their parents. In the analysis of seizure frequency, educational programs showed an effect in reducing the likelihood of seizures, but the result was not statistically significant (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.37-1.03; p = 0.07; I2 = 0%). Educational programs significantly improved parental quality of life (SMD = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.15-1.27; p = 0.01; I2 = 69%). Strong trends were found towards decreased parental anxiety (SMD = – 0.82; 95% CI: -1.68-0.04; p = 0.06; I2 = 93%) and increased self-efficacy (SMD = 2.63; 95% CI: -0.18-5.44; p = 0.07; I2 = 98%), but these findings did not reach statistical significance. Knowledge level regarding epilepsy significantly increased with educational programs (SMD = 1.29; 95% CI: 0.56-2.02; p = 0.0005; I2 = 87%). Epilepsy management significantly improved with educational programs (MD = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.21-0.76; p = 0.0005; I2 = 0%). This meta-analysis demonstrates consistent and significant benefits of educational programs on epilepsy management, knowledge level, and parental quality of life. While the effects on seizure frequency, parental anxiety, and self-efficacy were not statistically conclusive, the observed effect trends point to clinically positive potential. It supports the inclusion of education-based interventions as a complementary and empowering component in epilepsy care.
PMID:42066394 | DOI:10.1016/j.yebeh.2026.111065
