An estimate of the prevalence of epilepsy in a rural appalachian population

Robert J. Baumann, Martin B. Marx, Mary G. Leonidakis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Baumann, R. J. (Department of Neurology, U. of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40506), M. B. Marx, M. G. Leonidakls. Am J Epidemiol 106:42-52, 1977.A descriptive study has documented what is felt to be a precise estimate of the prevalence of epilepsy in 1973 in the school-age population of Clay County, Kentucky, a rural Appalachian county. A 96% response rate was achieved from the target population of 5467. By utilizing an accepted definition of epilepsy, an experienced child neurologist and a carefully monitored survey method which required the cooperative efforts of school personnel, local public health nurses and community leaders, a prevalence significantly greater than that previously reported from other areas of this country was observed (p ≪.05). The true prevalence of seizures in Clay County, Kentucky, children 6-16 years of age in 1973 Is believed to have been between the observed rate of 27 cases per 1000 and the estimated rate of 35 cases per 1000. The prevalence rate of febrile seizures is believed to have been underestimated in the Clay County data. For comparative purposes, the authors are currently applying the same methodology to a non-Appalachian area.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)42-52
Number of pages11
JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology
Volume106
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1977

Keywords

  • Chronic disease
  • Epidemiologic methods
  • Epilepsy
  • Health surveys

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology

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