Background Evidence suggests there is variation in the diagnosis, management, and support for people with epilepsy (PWE). To improve equity of service, in line with the aspirations of public policy across the UK, it is imperative to understand how sociodemographic factors affect management and care of PWE.

Methods We conducted a focused review of published literature between 2000-2021 to outline the evidence describing the relationship between the nine protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and the epidemiology, diagnosis, management and outcomes of PWE. Other factors such as depriva- tion, settlement status, education and employment were also explored.

Results There is an abundance of published literature on the relationship between age, disability, pregnancy and socioeconomic factors and epilepsy epidemiology and management. There is little evidence examining the relationship between epilepsy and gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion, immigration and settlement status. Further work should also build on the data from the NASH audits, to examine the reasons for the geographical variation in epilepsy care in planned outpatient as well as unplanned emergency care settings.

Discussion Better understanding of sociodemographic factors and their relationship with epilepsy epide- miology and management is key to improving equity of care. This review has identified gaps in knowledge that require further research.