Predicting Epilepsy – Related Stigma Based on Health – Related Life Style Components

Health related life style and health related stigma are among the components of health related quality of life in people with epilepsy. The purpose of current study is to investigate the role of health related life style in predicting of epilepsy related stigma. This study used a descriptive correlational methodology. The study population consisted of all people with epilepsy who were referred to epilepsy clinic of Imam Hossein in Tehran. Among this study population 145 participants according to formula selected based on purposive sampling and inclusion criteria. These participants answered to Demographic checklist, stigma related epilepsy and life style of people with epilepsy. Collected data were analysis with SPSS software, using Pearson correlation coefficient and regression. There is a negative relationship between health related life style and its component and epilepsy related stigma. The results of regression analysis showed that among all components of health related life style, interpersonal and social relationship, side effect control, stress management and relaxation are predicting 48/5 percentage of health related stigma variations in people with epilepsy. In order to reduce the level of epilepsy – related stigma, it is recommended to design and implement interventions which can improve social and personal relationship, drug side effect control and stress management