Validation of the Georgian version of a Stigma Scale of Epilepsy.

INTRODUCTION: Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (SSE), initially developed in Brazil, is accepted worldwide as a sensitive tool for assessing epilepsy-related stigma. We adapted and validated a Georgian version of SSE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SSE originated in Brazil and was translated into Georgian by three independent experts through forward and backward translation. The final version was generated for validation after handling gross or conceptual inconsistencies between the source and the new format. We used Cronbach's alpha to assess the internal consistency of the Georgian version of SSE. To explore the construct of SSE subscales in the Georgian version, we used principal components and factor analysis. Varimax rotation was applied. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure and Bartlett's test of sphericity were employed to assess the sampling adequacy. A probability <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: 87 adults, 32 (37 %) with epilepsy and 55 (63 %) without epilepsy were enrolled. The overall mean score of SSE was 19.5 (SD 10.1; min. 2, max. 53), and the differences between people with [20.7 (SD 8.9; min. 2, max. 53)] and without epilepsy [17.5 (SD 10.4; min. 3, max. 42)] were not statistically significant. Cronbach's alpha for the overall sample was 0.854; for the epilepsy cohort it was 0.876, and for individuals without epilepsy 0.823, indicating good SSE internal consistency. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure was 0.705 and Bartlett's test of sphericity was 926.2 (df 276; p < 0.001), suggesting acceptable sample adequacy. DISCUSSION: The Georgian version of the SSE is a valid and reliable measurement tool for assessing epilepsy-related stigma determinants among the country's population.

Cognitive functions in children exposed to antiepileptic drugs in utero - Study in Georgia.

OBJECTIVE: The cognitive teratogenicity of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has gained increasing attention in the last decade. The objective of the current study was to assess the effects of AED fetal exposure on the cognitive development of children of mothers with epilepsy from Georgia in a controlled study taking into consideration major confounding factors. METHODS: A prospective cohort group was formed from children and mothers registered in the Georgian National AED-Pregnancy Registry. The study group's age- and gender-matched control children without fetal AED exposure were selected retrospectively. The Intelligence Quotient (IQ) using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - revised (WAIS-R) was assessed in mothers. The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-4) were used to assess intellectual functioning for children of both study and control groups. Linear regression analysis was performed to detect association of AED exposure on the cognitive performance of children. RESULTS: In total, 100 children aged 36 to 72months were evaluated. The IQ of WWE was significantly lower compared to women without epilepsy in all modalities. Exposure to valproate (VPA) (n=18) was associated with lowest cognitive performance regarding Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) (ß, -12.04; p=0.006) and verbal comprehension (VCI) (ß, -8.89; p=0.019). Maternal FSIQ, maternal performance IQ (PIQ), and child's age at first phrases were independent factors associated with the cognitive development of children. CONCLUSIONS: Multivariate analysis showed VPA to be an independent predictor for decreased cognitive performance. Maternal FSIQ, PIQ, and child developmental achievements were significant confounders for cognitive performance in children.