Abstract Details

Title Evaluation of Transportation Security Index (TSI) Scores Among People with Epilepsy in New Jersey

Topic Epilepsy/Clinical Neurophysiology (EEG)

Presentation(s) P2 - Poster Session 2 (11:45 AM-12:45 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 10-008

Objective This study aims to measure the level of transportation security among patients with epilepsy in New Jersey (NJ).

Background People with epilepsy, especially those with ongoing seizures with loss of consciousness, are typically restricted from driving. In NJ, patients cannot drive until they achieve seizure freedom for 6 months, which is not always possible, especially with drug-resistant epilepsy. Very little research has been done evaluating transportation security for patients with epilepsy, thus far.

Design/Methods Participants from two epilepsy centers were recruited and completed the validated University of Michigan Transportation Security Index (TSI), a measure of transportation as a social determinant of health, as well as additional demographic and clinical information. Statistical analysis, including descriptive and bivariate analyses with the student t-test, were performed using SAS.

Results A total of 15 people with epilepsy from one center participated in the study, of whom 8/15 (53.3%) currently drive on a regular basis (at least a few times per week) using their own personal vehicle. The mean TSI score for people who drive was 7.3 + 9.5 (mean + standard deviation), indicating low insecurity, versus 16.3 + 6.1, indicating high insecurity, for those who do not drive. The TSI score was significantly higher for participants who do not drive (p = 0.048). A similar number (25% of drivers versus 28.6% of non-drivers) take public transportation on either the bus or train a few times a week or more.

Conclusions

Preliminary findings from our study indicate people with epilepsy who do not drive regularly with a personal vehicle experience higher transportation insecurity than those who do. These results indicate the need for further research and investigation into increasing access to transportation in NJ, especially for those who cannot drive for medical reasons, such as epilepsy. Recruitment remains ongoing.

Authors/Disclosures
Sonia Bhala, MD PRESENTER	Dr. Bhala has nothing to disclose.
Sanika Joshi, BS	Ms. Joshi has nothing to disclose.
Rose Rasty	Ms. Rasty has nothing to disclose.
Noor Rasheed	Ms. Rasheed has nothing to disclose.
Rebecca Ng, Medical student	Ms. Ng has nothing to disclose.
Joy Xie	Ms. Xie has nothing to disclose.
Richa Dahake	Ms. Dahake has nothing to disclose.
Brad K. Kamitaki, MD (Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School)	Dr. Kamitaki has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Brown and Brown Absence Services Group. The institution of Dr. Kamitaki has received research support from New Jersey Health Foundation. The institution of Dr. Kamitaki has received research support from National Institute on Aging.

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