Self care is the most significantly affected dimension of health utility in epilepsy patients

Purpose: To estimate the burden of epilepsy with respect to changes in health utility at the individual and societal levels.

Methods: The data from 2000-2003 Pooled Medical Expenditure Panel Survey in the United States were used to assess differences in health utility by individuals' self-reported epilepsy status. Among 79,572 adults who completed the survey, 74,148 adults (93.2%) who responded all the health utility and variables was included in analysis. Differences in health utility were estimated using regression techniques while adjusting for race, sex, general health status, family size, age, income, and education.

Results: The individuals with epilepsy had less societal health utility and also less self reported health utility. The adjusted difference (on a scale of 0-100) using societal preferences was 5.5 (95% CI: 3.6-7.4). The adjusted difference (on a scale of 0-100) using self-rating was 5.8 (95% CI: 4.3-7.2). Pain and discomfort was the most commonly problematic health utility for those with epilepsy. The odds ratio of problems in self care for those with epilepsy compared to those without epilepsy was 3.0 (95% CI: 2.2-4.1) and it is the highest among five health utility dimensions.

Conclusion: Epilepsy has significant impact on health utility, using either personal or societal quality of life. Health workers should aware the impact of epilepsy on quality of life and subsequent disability. Improving self care should be emphasized on the course epilepsy care.