Empowering caregivers to manage seizures in China: A context-adapted action plan.
Seizure · 2026-04-23 · Quasi-experimental
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the China Acute Seizure Action Plan (CASAP), a context-adapted acute seizure action plan developed for China, on caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding out-of-hospital seizure management for children and adolescents with epilepsy (0-18 years). METHODS: A prospective before-and-after study was conducted with 313 caregivers of pediatric patients with epilepsy at Chongqing Medical University Affiliated Children's Hospital from August 2023 to October 2024. Participants received a 6-month CASAP intervention. Caregivers' KAP levels were assessed before and after the intervention using a self-designed questionnaire, and paired statistical tests and subgroup analyses were applied to compare pre- and post-intervention outcomes. RESULTS: Knowledge and practice scores improved significantly (p < 0.001), whereas attitude scores showed no significant change (p > 0.05). Caregivers using the seizure-management app showed better knowledge and practice scores (p < 0.05). KAP scores varied significantly according to caregivers' education level (p < 0.001), but no significant differences were found based on the duration of the child's illness (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The CASAP improved caregivers' epilepsy-related knowledge and emergency response practices. Digital tools may further enhance intervention outcomes, whereas attitude changes require long-term follow-up and psychological support. These findings support the promotion of context-adapted epilepsy management strategies outside of hospitals.