Clinical Profile and Risk Factors of Epilepsy Among Children in Buea and Limbe Regional Hospitals: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study

Background Epilepsy is the most prevalent chronic neurological disorder in children and contributes significantly to morbidity, mortality, and social stigma. Many pediatric risk factors are preventable, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to describe the clinical profile and identify the key risk factors associated with epilepsy among children attending the Buea and Limbe Regional Hospitals. Methods This hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted between January and April 2023 at Buea Regional Hospital(BRH) and Limbe Regional Hospital(LRH). Cases were defined as participants with an established diagnosis of epilepsy by a clinician, while the controls were non-epileptic children. We matched 1case:2 controls. The collected data werewas analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26. Results The study included 84 patientsliving with epilepsy and 168 controls with a mean age of 8.4 ± 4.99 years and a male predominance of (57.1%). Most cases were aged between 6 and 12 years (33.3%), with more than half (59.5%) of the children from rural areas. The first seizure commonly occurred at the age of 1 month to 1 year (32.1%). Generalized onset seizures were predominant in (50%), and status epilepticus was reported in the majority of cases. Cerebral palsy was the most common comorbidity (22.6%). Multivariate analysis identified febrile seizures (p < 0.001), neonatal asphyxia (p = 0.001) family history of epilepsy (p < 0.001), infant age (p < 0.001), and toddlers (p < 0.001) as significant risk factors. Conclusions Epilepsy is prevalent among children aged 6–12 years, and is commonly associated with cerebral palsy at the Buea and Limbe Regional Hospitals. Febrile seizures, neonatal asphyxia, family history of epilepsy, and age (infant, toddler) are key determinants of epilepsy in this setting. The high rate of preventable perinatal factors highlight the urgent need to strengthen maternal and neonatal care, and epilepsy education. Addressing these modifiable risks could substantially reduce the burden of epilepsy similar resource-limited settings in Cameroon.