Abstract
Seizure-related injuries represent a significant concern for both individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers. Compared to the general population, those diagnosed with epilepsy face a heightened risk of sustaining injuries. Despite this, there is a notable scarcity of data regarding seizure-related injuries among epileptic patients. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of seizure-related injuries and identify their predictors among epileptic patients undergoing follow-up treatment at selected public hospitals in Central Ethiopia, in 2023. A prospective follow-up study was carried out in selected public hospitals in central Ethiopia. The study included epileptic patients aged ≥ 18 years who had not experienced any previous injury during follow-up treatment from January 1st, 2023, to December 31st, 2023. Data collection involved conducting interviews with participants using a structured questionnaire and reviewing patients' charts. Univariate analysis, multivariate, and regression analysis were performed to identify potential associations between variables and seizure-related injuries. Variables were deemed significantly associated with seizure-related injuries if they attained a p value of 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Out of the 561 participants, 265 (47.2%) experienced seizure-related injuries (95% CI 43.12, 51.38). The incidence density rate of seizure-related injuries among epileptic patients was 11.97 per 100 person-months of observation (95% CI 10.61, 13.50). In multivariate analysis, epileptic patients who had generalized tonic-clonic seizures (adjusted hazard ratio 1.4, 95% CI 1.07-1.84), comorbidities (adjusted hazard ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.11-1.71), were on polytherapy drug regimens (adjusted hazard ratio 1.80, 95% CI 0.30-2.49), and consumed alcoholic drinks (adjusted hazard ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.21-1.89) were identified as independent predictors of seizure-related injuries. The incidence rate of seizure-related injuries among epileptic patients was found to be significant. Risk factors identified included experiencing generalized tonic-clonic seizures, having at least one additional health condition, being on multiple medications, and consuming alcohol. To improve survival from injuries, targeted precautions for generalized tonic-clonic seizures, strict adherence to prescribed medication regimens, and avoiding alcohol consumption are recommended.