Saramma, PPSarma, PSThomas, SV2015-01-072015-01-072014-06Seizure - European Journal of Epilepsy. 2014;23(6):424-8.https://dspace.sctimst.ac.in/handle/123456789/2271Women with epilepsy (WWE) have poorer knowledge and skill in child rearing than women without epilepsy. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a self-instructional module (SIM) on the child rearing knowledge (CRK) and practice (CRP) of WWE and developmental outcome of their babies. METHODS: One hundred women in first trimester of pregnancy that were enrolled in to the Kerala Registry of Epilepsy and Pregnancy and consenting to participate were given a self instructional module (SIM) or a comparator booklet by random concealed allocation. Their child rearing knowledge (CRK) was assessed by a standardized protocol at entry (first trimester) and at 3-4 months postpartum. Their child rearing practice (CRP) was evaluated in third postpartum month. The developmental outcome of babies was assessed at 1 year of age as per registry protocol. RESULTS: Eighty eight women completed this 1 year study. The CRK score was significantly higher (p=.034) for the intervention group (32.91±5) when compared to the comparator group (30.61±5) However, a corresponding improvement in CRP score was not observed for the former. Developmental outcome of 68 babies showed a positive weak correlation between CRP and developmental quotient both mental and motor. The intervention group demonstrated significant increase in their CRK. Nevertheless the results did not indicate a significant improvement in the CRP. CONCLUSION: The SIM improved the CRK of WWE. Nevertheless, the child rearing practices did not show corresponding improvement.Child care; Child rearing; Development; Knowledge; Parenting; PracticeArticle