Psychosocial and sociodemographic associates of felt stigma in epilepsy

Psychometric evaluation of the Serbian version of the Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (SSE)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Serbian-language version of the Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (SSE).

METHODS

The sample consisted of 108 patients with epilepsy (PWE) (60.2 % were female, age range: 19-67 years) and 102 students (86.3 % were female, age range: 18-47 years). The study encompassed two phases: (1) translation of the SSE into Serbian using the back-translation technique, and (2) evaluation of reliability and construct validity of the Serbian-language version of SSE. In addition to the SSE, the PWE filled out a Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The socio-demographic and clinical variables were noted for each patient by the semistructured interview. Besides completing the SSE, the students were asked if they knew anyone with epilepsy. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested by assessing the internal consistency of the scale (Cronbach's α), while construct validity was assessed by factor analysis, method of known-groups validation, and correlation analysis.

RESULTS

SSE demonstrates a satisfactory level of reliability in both samples, with Cronbach's α of 0.86 in the PWE sample and 0.90 in the student sample. Using exploratory factor analysis, four factors were identified in both samples, corresponding relatively well with the scale domains originally produced, with a few exceptions described. Adverse effects (AEs) of antiseizure medications (ASMs) and driving ability significantly influenced SSE scores, but there were no significant effects of other socio-demographic and clinical variables on epilepsy-related stigma in the PWE sample. In addition, depression severity significantly influenced SSE scores (based on NDDI-E cut-off score), with the SSE showing a positive association with PHQ-9 (r = 0.42, p < .001) and GAD-7 (r = 0.35, p < .001) as well. Regarding the student sample, the effects of personal knowledge of someone with epilepsy on SSE scores were found to be significant. Besides, students (M = 46.28, SD = 16.43) reported higher epilepsy-related stigma than patients (M = 40.66, SD = 17.01), t(208) = 2.43, p < .05, d = 0.34.

CONCLUSION

The Serbian version of the SSE has good psychometric properties and represents a useful tool for assessing epilepsy-related stigma in both patients and the general population.

Correlation between depression and perceived stigma among people living with epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures that happen in men and women of all ages. Comorbid depression is common with epilepsy due to its social stigma. This study aimed to describe the correlation between depression and perceived stigma among people living with epilepsy.

METHODS

It was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted with 96 people with epilepsy using the convenience sampling method. Fisher's exact test was used to analyze the association between sociodemographic data, levels of depression, and perceived stigma. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between depression and perceived stigma.

RESULTS

Twenty-three percent of respondents were found to be depressed, in that 16.7% were mildly depressed, 4.2% were moderately depressed, and 2.1% were severely depressed. Perceived stigma was found in 85.5%, of which 74% were moderately stigmatized and 11.5% were highly stigmatized. This study revealed a significant positive relationship between depression and perceived stigma (r = 0.21) at the p = 0.04 level.

CONCLUSION

It highlights the correlation between perceived stigma and depression; if the patients felt stigmatized by epilepsy, they had a higher chance of having depression. Healthcare providers need to strengthen awareness in society for stigma reduction and early recognition of comorbid depression.

Association of depression and epilepsy in Rwanda: A prospective longitudinal study

INTRODUCTION

Depression is the most common psychiatric comorbidity for persons living with epilepsy. In Rwanda, the prevalence of epilepsy and depression are high, with 4,9% and 13.0% respectively. This prospective interventional study aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of depression and the outcome of persons living with epilepsy (PwE) with depression attending the outpatient neurology department of a tertiary center.

METHODS

Persons living with epilepsy enrolled between February and June 2018 in a screening cohort with a 12-month follow-up. At every 3-month study visit, PwE were screened for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) questionnaire. Any positively screened subject was administered the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) to confirm the diagnosis and severity of depression. Subjects with moderate to severe depression (MSD), were started on treatment and were followed for another year. We describe the prevalence and incidence of depression, baseline characteristics, epilepsy and depression outcomes, and changes in PGI-C.

RESULTS

Of 572 PwE enrolled, 46 were diagnosed with MSD in a twelve-month period, resulting in an incidence of MSD of 32.7/1000 patient-years. The prevalence of any depression and MSD was 14.2% and 4.7%, respectively. Longer epilepsy duration and seizure status at baseline were associated with MSD. Significant improvements in PGI-C and seizure frequency were observed after treatment optimization.

CONCLUSION

The use of PHQ-9 and HDRS proved successful in identifying depression in PwE. Combined treatment of epilepsy and depression resulted in improved outcomes, warranting the implementation of depression screening every six months in daily neurology practice.

Perceived stigma in adults with epilepsy in Sweden and associations with country of birth, socioeconomic status, and mental health

BACKGROUND

Stigma contributes to negative health outcomes and amplifies health disparities in epilepsy. This study aimed to investigate associations of perceived stigma with the country of birth and socioeconomic status (SES).

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional questionnaire study. Participants were recruited consecutively from three demographically different neurology outpatient clinics in the southwest of Sweden. Participants responded to a questionnaire concerning their epilepsy, country of birth, mother tongue, and different SES-variables. The Neuro-QOL stigma scale and the Jacoby stigma scale were applied to assess stigma and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and PROMIS Mental Health scale were applied to assess mental health.

RESULTS

In total 161 adults with epilepsy were included in the cohort. The median Neuro-QOL stigma score was 48.3, and was higher among foreign-born than in native-born participants (foreign-born in non-European country 52.3, in other European country 49.8, and in native-born 47.0, p = 0.003). Other factors associated with Neuro-QOL were seizure frequency last year (≥2 seizures 52.4 compared to 1 seizure 50.9 and no seizures 44.3, p < 0.001), having had seizures in public (yes 50.9 compared to no 44.7, p = 0.035), HADS depression score ≥11 (57.4 compared to 47.8 for score <11 points, p < 0.001), HADS anxiety score ≥11 (53.5 compared to 46.8 for score <11 points, p < 0.001), and lower PROMIS Mental Health score (42.9 for PROMIS < 40 compared to 54.4 for PROMIS > 60, p < 0.01). A stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that having had seizures the last year increased the average Neuro-QOL stigma score with 5.89 and appeared as the most determining factor for the Neuro-QOL stigma score among the variables investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important that the concerns of foreign-born patients are acknowledged and that the focus of seizure control and the detection and treatment of comorbidities are prioritized in the management of epilepsy and perceived stigma.

Stigma and its association with health-related quality of life in adults with epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

To explore the presence of felt and enacted stigma in people with epilepsy (PWE), members of a self-governing epilepsy organization and to evaluate the influence of both types of stigma on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in PWE.

METHODS

Participants were 55 PWE (age range: 18-53 years), members of a non-governmental organization (further "NGO"). The sociodemographic and epilepsy-related variables were collected through structured interviews designed for the purpose of the study. Felt stigma was assessed with the Epilepsy Stigma Scale (ESS) and enacted stigma with the Questionnaire for episodes of discrimination against PWE. Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31) (Serbian version) was used for the evaluation of HRQoL.

RESULTS

The mean ESS score was 33.93 ± 14.50. Felt stigma was significantly associated with the male gender and the number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Participants' mean score on the Questionnaire for episodes of discrimination was 2.80 ± 2.78. Enacted stigma was significantly correlated with male gender and number of AEDs, as well as with older age/longer duration of the disorder. Felt stigma scores were positively correlated with enacted stigma scores (p < 0.001), but only felt stigma scores were negatively related to QOLIE-31 overall score (p = 0.01). The combination of AEDs, seizure frequency, and felt stigma best explained the HRQoL in PWE (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Felt and enacted stigma are moderately related, but only felt stigma appears to be a significant predictor of the deteriorating HRQoL in this sample. Interventions targeting felt stigma should be considered a part of comprehensive epilepsy care as well as educating the wider community about epilepsy.

Perceived epilepsy-related stigma is linked to the socioeconomic status of the residence

Purpose

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders with high costs for the healthcare systems and great suffering for patients. Beyond seizures, psychosocial comorbidities can have detrimental effects on the well-being of people with epilepsy. One source of social stress and reduced quality of life is epilepsy-related stigma that often occurs, e.g., due to public misconceptions or myths. Stigma has individual biological, psychological and social correlates. Moreover, environmental factors like living in remote areas are associated with stigma. However, little is known about the link between the social structure of the residence and stigma in epilepsy. Thus, we investigated the association between the structural socioeconomic status (SES) and perceived stigma in an urban epilepsy population.

Methods

This prospective, cross-sectional study examined 226 adult in-patients with epilepsy from Berlin. Multiple regression analyses were performed to check the relationship between structural SES and stigma controlling for individual-level demographic, clinical, psychological and social factors. Continuous social indices (SI) of the districts and neighborhoods ("SI district" and "SI neighborhood") of Berlin were used to measure different levels of structural SES. Non-linear relationships are tested by grouping the SI in quartiles.

Results

Both indicators of structural SES were independently linked to stigma (p = 0.002). For "SI district", we identified a non-linear relationship with patients from the most deprived quartile feeling less stigmatized compared to those in the second (p < 0.001) or least deprived quartile (p = 0.009). Furthermore, more restrictions of daily life (p < 0.001), unfavorable income (p = 0.009) and seizure freedom in the past 6 months (p = 0.05) were related to increased stigma. A lower "SI neighborhood" was associated with higher stigma (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Strategies to reduce epilepsy-related stigma need to consider the sociostructural living environment on different regional levels. Unfavorable relations with the immediate living environment may be directly targeted in patient-centered interventions. Non-linear associations with the structural SES of broader regional levels should be considered in public education programs. Further research is needed to examine possible underlying mechanisms and gain insight into the generalizability of our findings to other populations.

Felt Stigma and Its Underlying Contributors in Epilepsy Patients

Objective

To explore the correlated clinical and psychological factors of stigmatization and investigate the relationship between stigma and white matter abnormalities in epilepsy patients.

Methods

Stigmatization was obtained by a three-item stigma scale in 256 epilepsy patients with genetic or unknown etiology. Personality and quality of life (QOL) were assessed by Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and QOL-31 questionnaire respectively. One hundred and fourteen of them were performed Hamilton Depression Scale-17 (HAMD) and scanned with diffusion tensor imaging in 3T MRI. Fractional anisotropy (FA) values of frontotemporal contact fibers were calculated.

Results

There were about 39.8% patients felt stigma, with the highest score (Score 3) in 8.2% (21/256). Stigma scores were significantly negatively correlated with education (P < 0.01), age of onset (P < 0.05), extraversion score of EPQ (P < 0.01), total and all the subscale QOL scores (P < 0.001), and positively correlated with duration (P < 0.01), HAMD score (P < 0.001), neuroticism score of EPQ (P < 0.001). We found negative correlation between stigma scores and FA values of right superior longitudinal fasciculus and left cingulum (P < 0.05). Logistic regression results showed that FA value of left cingulum (P = 0.011; OR = 0.000), social function (P = 0.000; OR = 0.935) of QOL, and neuroticism score of EPQ (P = 0.033; OR = 1.123) independently correlated to felt stigma.

Conclusion

Felt stigma in epilepsy patients was found to be correlated with neuroticism, depression, and deficient social function of QOL, which might be predisposed by the impairment of the left cingulum. Our results provide preliminary evidence for the underlying neural circuits in stigmatization.

Systematic review of frequency of felt and enacted stigma in epilepsy and determining factors and attitudes toward persons living with epilepsy-Report from the International League Against Epilepsy Task Force on Stigma in Epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

To review the evidence of felt and enacted stigma and attitudes toward persons living with epilepsy, and their determining factors.

METHODS

Thirteen databases were searched (1985-2019). Abstracts were reviewed in duplicate and data were independently extracted using a standardized form. Studies were characterized using descriptive analysis by whether they addressed "felt" or "enacted" stigma and "attitudes" toward persons living with epilepsy.

RESULTS

Of 4234 abstracts, 132 met eligibility criteria and addressed either felt or enacted stigma and 210 attitudes toward epilepsy. Stigma frequency ranged broadly between regions. Factors associated with enacted stigma included low level of knowledge about epilepsy, lower educational level, lower socioeconomic status, rural areas living, and religious grouping. Negative stereotypes were often internalized by persons with epilepsy, who saw themselves as having an "undesirable difference" and so anticipated being treated differently. Felt stigma was associated with increased risk of psychological difficulties and impaired quality of life. Felt stigma was linked to higher seizure frequency, recency of seizures, younger age at epilepsy onset or longer duration, lower educational level, poorer knowledge about epilepsy, and younger age. An important finding was the potential contribution of epilepsy terminology to the production of stigma. Negative attitudes toward those with epilepsy were described in 100% of included studies, and originated in any population group (students, teachers, healthcare professionals, general public, and those living with epilepsy). Better attitudes were generally noted in those of younger age or higher educational status.

SIGNIFICANCE

Whatever the specific beliefs about epilepsy, implications for felt and enacted stigma show considerable commonality worldwide. Although some studies show improvement in attitudes toward those living with epilepsy over time, much work remains to be done to improve attitudes and understand the true occurrence of discrimination against persons with epilepsy.

Epilepsy stigma in the Republic of Guinea and its socioeconomic and clinical associations: A cross-sectional analysis

OBJECTIVE

We aim to quantify the degree of epilepsy stigma perceived by people living with epilepsy (PLWE) in the Republic of Guinea (2019 gross national income per capita, 930 USD) and analyze the demographic, social, and clinical factors associated with epilepsy stigma in this setting.

METHODS

A prospective convenience cohort of PLWE was recruited at the Ignace Deen Hospital in Conakry and evaluated by U.S. and Guinean neurology-trained physicians. A survey instrument exploring demographic, social, and clinical variables was designed and administered. The primary outcome measure was the Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (SSE), a 24-item scale with scores ranging from 0 (least stigma)-100 (most). Regression models were fit to assess associations between SSE score and pre-selected demographic, social, and clinical variables of interest.

RESULTS

249 PLWE (112 female; mean age 20.0 years; 22 % from rural locales; 14 % of participants >16 years old with no formal schooling; 11 % seizure-free for >=6 months) had an average SSE score of 46.1 (standard deviation = 14.5) points. Children had an average SSE score of 45.2, and adults had an average score of 47.0. There were no significant differences between self- and guardian-reported SSE scores (means = 45.8 and 46.5, respectively), p = .86. In univariate analyses, higher stigma scores were associated with more seizures (p = .005), more depressive symptoms (p = .01), and lower household wealth (p = .03). In a multivariable model including sex, educational level, household wealth, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, seizure frequency, and seizure-related burns, only higher seizure frequency (β = -2.34, p = .03) and lower household wealth (β = 4.05, p = .03) were significantly associated with higher SSE scores.

CONCLUSION

In this Guinean cohort of people living with poorly-controlled epilepsy, there was a moderate degree of perceived stigma on average. Stigma was associated with higher seizure frequency and lower household wealth-both potentially modifiable factors.

Feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of an adopted novel self-management intervention among people with epilepsy in Uganda

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition characterized by poor quality of life and associated stigma. Studies in long-term health conditions suggest that self-management interventions improve the quality of life (QoL) and reduce the perceived stigma among people with epilepsy (PWE). Yet, the utilization of these interventions remains low in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an adopted novel self-management intervention, Self-management for people with epilepsy and a history of negative health events (SMART) among PWE in Uganda.

DESIGN

A two-year, uncontrolled, prospective pilot study in Ugandans with epilepsy was conducted.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged ≥ 18 years with epilepsy attending a neurology outpatient clinic were enrolled.

INTERVENTION

Using a nurse led and peer educator interactions; nine self-management approach sessions (1 individual session and 8 group sessions) were conducted.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was QoL, perceived stigma and depression in PWE at 24-month follow-up using the Quality Of Life In Epilepsy 31 (QOLIE-31) scale and perceived stigma using the Kilifi stigma score and Neurological disorders depression index for epilepsy (NDDI-E).

RESULTS

There were 17 individuals and their caregivers who were enrolled into this study with a mean age of 23.47 (SD = 5.3) years. The study intervention was feasible and acceptable within our settings. Overall, quality of life, stigma level, depression, and seizure frequency in the past 30 days were significantly improved from the baseline scores before the intervention with p-values of <0.0001, <0.0001, 0.004, and <0.0001, respectively.

SIGNIFICANCE

The SMART intervention engages individuals to actively participate in self-management, and can help reduce depressive symptom severity in PWE. Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with epilepsy, additional research is needed to better identify how SMART might be implemented in routine care settings.

People with epilepsy still feel stigmatized

OBJECTIVES

Those affected with epilepsy have long been subject to stigmatization. This may have manifold negative effects, for example social isolation, low self-esteem, reduced quality of life and worsening of seizures. In Norway educational programs have been arranged at the National Centre for Epilepsy, aiming at reducing stigma and shame associated with epilepsy, and thereby increase the quality of life for those affected and their families. Thus, we wanted to explore the extent of self-reported perceived stigma and experienced discrimination in a Norwegian cohort with epilepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a web-based questionnaire survey in Norway. Participants were asked to provide background and epilepsy-related information. In addition, they were encouraged to answer questions regarding felt stigmatization in different situations and to rate stigma according to the Jacoby stigma scale.

RESULTS

Of 1182 respondents, 56% reported to have felt being stigmatized, and 35% reported to have experienced discrimination solely on the ground of the disease. 70% of respondents reported at least one type of perceived or experienced stigma. After controlling for gender, age, perceived depression and seizure freedom, reports of experienced stigmatization was a statistically significant independent predictor for reduced quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

A considerable proportion of people with epilepsy in Norway feel stigmatized and/or subject to discrimination, which negatively affects their quality of life.

Effects of perceived stigma, unemployment and depression on suicidal risk in people with epilepsy

PURPOSE

Stigma toward people with epilepsy (PWE) is common around the globe. Perceived stigma produced by mental or physical disorders may represent a significant risk factor for suicide.This study examines whether and how perceived stigma, unemployment and depression interact to influence suicidal risk in PWE.

METHODS

A consecutive cohort of people with epilepsy (PWE) was recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Each patient completed the Stigma Scale for Epilepsy (SSE), the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy scale (NDDI-E) and the suicidality module of Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview(MINI) v.5.0.0. Spearman's correlation and moderated mediation analysis were used to examine the associations among perceived stigma, depression, unemployment and suicidal risk.

RESULTS

Perceived stigma was positively associated with depression severity and suicidal risk. Depression severity mediated the association between perceived stigma and suicidal risk. The indirect effect of perceived stigma on suicidal risk through depression severity was positively moderated by unemployment.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of perceived stigma on suicidal risk can be explained by the mediation of depression severity, At the same time, getting out from the shadow of perceived stigma may help reducing suicidal risk in PWE. In addition, improving employment status of PWE may attenuate the indirect effect of perceived stigma on suicidal risk through depression severity.

Examining the role of stigma and disability-related factors in suicide risk through the lens of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

Research has largely not identified processes contributing to the relationship between physical disability and suicide risk. This cross-sectional research is aimed at examining the associations among felt stigma, perceived burdensomeness, disability severity, and perceptions about future suicidal ideation and attempts. Adults (N = 127) with physical disabilities recruited through online and printed advertisements completed self-report measures and semi-structured interviews. We anticipated that felt stigma would be associated with individuals' perceived likelihood of future suicidal ideation and attempts indirectly through perceived burdensomeness, and that these relationships would be moderated by the impact of disability on three important life domains. Results from a series of moderated mediation analyses partially supported study hypotheses and indicated indirect relationships of stigma to suicide-related perceptions. However, disability severity in the three examined domains did not moderate these indirect relationships. Felt stigma and perceived burdensomeness may contribute to self-perceptions of suicide risk among individuals with physical disabilities.

Factors associated with self-efficacy among patients with epilepsy in Turkey

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the self-efficacy levels of individuals with epilepsy and also compare individuals' self-efficacy with sociodemographic and epilepsy-related characteristics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The cross-sectional study was carried out with 200 individuals with epilepsy who were suitable for the inclusion criterias. Data were collected using patient information form which includes sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and Epilepsy Self-Efficacy Scale for evaluating epilepsy-related self-efficacy levels of patients.

RESULTS

The self-efficacy levels of the patients were moderate. Education, gender, occupational status, income, seizure frequency, regular use of medication, the number of drugs used, patient behavior following a drug-related problem, family support, the ability to obtain information about the illness, and hiding the illness from other people were significant factors determining scores on the epilepsy self-efficacy scale.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the findings of previous studies that were conducted to determine factors affecting self-efficacy. In order to increase self-efficacy, the findings show that there is a need for social support, education of epilepsy individuals, and information and awareness in society.

Stigma and Associated Correlates of Elderly Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Background: Stigmatizing experiences is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and appears to provide a negative contribution to the quality of life. Our aim of this study was to investigate the extent of stigma and its predictive factors in patients with PD from our hospital in Shanghai, China. Methods: In 276 individuals with PD (135 women and 141 men), stigma was measured by the 24-item Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness (SSCI). Multivariate linear regression model was used to assess predictors of stigma including demographics (age and gender), disease duration, stage (Hoehn and Yahr Scale), motor function (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part 3, UPDRS-III), non-motor symptoms (Non-Motor Symptoms Scale, NMSS), cognitive level (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE), as well as anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, HAM-A) and depressive disorders (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, HAM-D-24). Results: The total score of SSCI was 49.9 ± 14.3, and 48.5% of the patients checked "rarely" to "sometimes." For the total sample, the full model accounted for 47.8% of the variance in stigma (P < 0.05). Higher UPDRS-III scores, longer course of disease, younger age, tremor-dominant subtype, and higher depression scores were significantly associated with stigma among individuals with PD. Conclusion: Our finding suggested a mild-to-moderate level of stigma in patients with PD. Tremor-dominant subtype, longer course of disease, younger age, severe motor symptoms, and depression are the predictors of stigma in PD.

Prevalence, severity, and associations of depression in people with epilepsy in Guinea: A single-center study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Depression has long been recognized as a comorbidity of epilepsy in high-income countries, ranging from 17 to 49% of people with epilepsy (PWE). Of the limited studies from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where most people have uncontrolled seizures, an even higher prevalence of depression is reported among PWE at times exceeding 80%. We sought to assess the prevalence and severity of depression and its associated factors among PWE in Guinea, a sub-Saharan West African country where most PWE have poorly controlled seizures.

METHODS

People with epilepsy from the community, age 16 years old and above, were consecutively recruited into a convenience cohort at the Ignace Deen Hospital in the capital city, Conakry, in summer 2018 as part of a larger study characterizing PWE in Guinea. Each participant was evaluated by a team of Guinean physicians and a U.S.-based neurologist to confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy. Inperson interviews were performed to measure demographic, clinical, socioeconomic, and related variables. Depression was measured via the Patient Health Questionniare-9 in the language of the participant's preference with a cutoff of 5 or more points being categorized as depressed. Regression analyses were performed to measure the associations between explanatory variables with the outcome of depression.

RESULT

Of 140 PWE (age range: 16-66 years old; 64 female; 64% taking an antiseizure medication including 28% carbamazepine, 16% phenobarbital, and 14% valproic acid; duration of epilepsy: 11 years; 71% with one or more seizures in the past month; 17% never treated with an antiseizure medication; 90% with loss of consciousness during seizures; 10% without formal education; 31% with university level education; 62% using tap water; 48% with a serious seizure-related injury), the point prevalence of depression was 66% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 58%-74%): 43% of PWE had mild depression, 19% moderate, 4% moderate to severe, and 0.1% severe. In a multivariate analysis, the occurrence of a seizure in the past month (odds ratio: 3.03, 95% CI: 2.63-3.48, p = 0.01) was associated with depression, while gender, self-perceived stigma score, serious injuries, and the number of antiseizure medications taken were not statistically significantly associated (p > 0.05). Twenty-five percent of all participants endorsed thoughts of self-harm or suicidality.

CONCLUSION

Two-thirds of PWE in Guinea had depression in this single-institution convenience cohort. The presence of a seizure in the last month was the factor most associated with depression and is modifiable in many PWE. The high prevalance of depression suggests that screening and addressing depressive symptoms should be incorporated into routine epilepsy care in Guinea.

Validity, reliability and cut-offs of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 as a screening tool for depression among patients living with epilepsy in Rwanda

BACKGROUND

Patients with epilepsy (PwE) have an increased risk of active and lifetime depression. Two in 10 patients experience depression. Lack of trained psychiatric staff in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) creates a need for screening tools that enable detection of depression in PwE. We describe the translation, validity and reliability assessment of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) as a screening tool for depression among PwE in Rwanda.

METHOD

PHQ-9 was translated to Kinyarwanda using translation-back translation and validated by a discussion group. For validation, PwE of ≥15 years of age were administered the PHQ-9 and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) by trained psychiatry staff at Visit 1. A random sample of 20% repeated PHQ-9 and HDRS after 14 days to assess temporal stability and intra-rater reliability. Internal structure, reliability and external validity were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, reliability coefficients and HDRS-correlation, respectively. Maximal Youden's index was considered for cut-offs.

RESULTS

Four hundred and thirty-four PwE, mean age 30.5 years (SD ±13.3), were included of whom 33.6%, 37.9%, 13.4%, and 15.1% had no, mild, moderate and severe depression, respectively. PHQ-9 performed well on a one-factor model (unidimensional model), with factor loadings of 0.63-0.86. Reliability coefficients above 0.80 indicated strong internal consistency. Good temporal stability was observed (0.79 [95% CI: 0.68-0.87]). A strong correlation (R = 0.66, p = 0.01) between PHQ-9 and HDRS summed scores demonstrated robust external validity. The optimal cut-off for the PHQ-9 was similar (≥5) for mild and moderate depression and ≥7 for severe depression.

CONCLUSION

PHQ-9 validation in Kinyarwanda creates the capacity to screen PwE in Rwanda at scores of ≥5 for mild or moderate and ≥7 for severe depression. The availability of validated tools for screening and diagnosis for depression is a forward step for holistic care in a resource-limited environment.

Who is more important in stigmatization, family or friends?

INTRODUCTION

Although the knowledge about epilepsy is rapidly increasing, the rate of stigmatization still remains high among patients. Since stigmatization is a condition that reduces the quality of life of patients and adversely affects the treatment response, it is very important to reveal the contributing factors. In this study, it was aimed to investigate which of the current social support resources of the patients are related to stigmatization, whether the support received from family or friends and a special person.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 60 patients with epilepsy (30 males and 30 females) were included in the study. Sociodemographic data form, stigma scale of epilepsy, and multidimensional scale of perceived social support were administered to all participants.

RESULTS

Duration of education from sociodemographic variables and duration of epilepsy from clinical variables were associated with stigma scores (for each other, p < 0.01). While a negative correlation was determined between friend support, special person support scores, and total social support score and stigma scores (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively), no significant relationship was detected between family support score and stigma score.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the study show that the support of a friend and a special person may be more important than the family support in patients with epilepsy. When evaluating these patients, questioning the type and adequacy of social support that they receive and taking necessary interventions (such as forming peer support groups) may be helpful in reducing the perceived stigmatization.

Risk and protective factors related to stigma among people with epilepsy: An integrative review

INTRODUCTION

Stigma is a critical issue among people with epilepsy (PWE). There is a need to undertake an integrative review of the factors associated with stigma, as it is experienced subjectively, and cannot be fully understood through quantitative research alone. The aims of this study were to explore the factors influencing epilepsy-associated stigma and to extend our understanding of stigma using an integrative review approach.

METHODS

Three databases (i.e., CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO) were searched for articles published from January 2010 through December 2018 on stigma among PWE. Selected articles were assessed for quality using the mixed-method appraisal tool. The matrix method was used for data extraction and analysis. Overall, the process of the review was guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist.

RESULTS

Overall, 26 studies were included in this review: four qualitative studies, twenty-one quantitative studies, and one mixed-method study. Several factors associated with stigma were found, divided into four categories across two main aspects: individual (i.e., disease and social characteristics) and community (i.e., overall impression/beliefs regarding epilepsy and social networks) based on the Framework Integrating Normative Influences on Stigma.

CONCLUSIONS

The impression of and beliefs about epilepsy among the general population as well as among PWE were the primary factors affecting stigma. Thus, there is a need for the provision of accurate information about epilepsy to both these groups. Additional studies on epilepsy-associated stigma employing various methodological approaches are required.

Knowledge and awareness among patients with epilepsy observed at Jordan University Hospital

The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and awareness about epilepsy among patients with epilepsy (PWE) and to determine the correlation with sociodemographic and disease-related factors. A prospective cross-sectional study was set, and it included PWE attending the adult neurology clinic at Jordan University Hospital (JUH), Amman, Jordan. A structured questionnaire was utilized, which consisted of 3 parts: sociodemographic factors, disease characteristics, and an epilepsy knowledge scale - the Epilepsy Knowledge Profile-General (E.K.P-G) scale. There was a total of 108 patients, 43 males and 65 females with an age range from 16 to 63 years. The average score of the subjects in the E.K.P-G scale was 16.4/34 (48%). Twenty out of the 34 questions were answered correctly by less than 50% of the respondents. There was an overall poor understanding of the etiology of epilepsy. A higher E.K.P-G score was significantly correlated with higher levels of education, higher household income, controlled seizures for more than 2 years, and living in urban areas. On the other hand, there was no significant correlation between the level of knowledge and age, gender, marital status, occupational status, type of seizure, duration of epilepsy, source of information, number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and family history of epilepsy. In conclusion, the study showed a significant lack of knowledge about epilepsy among PWE at JUH. A public educational program is necessary in Jordan to educate PWE about their disorder.

Difficulties in activities of daily living are associated with stigma in patients with Parkinson's disease who are candidates for deep brain stimulation

Objective:

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is often accompanied by stigma, which could contribute to a worse prognosis. The objective of this study is to identify the variables associated with stigma in PD patients who are candidates for deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Methods:

We investigated sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with stigma in a sample of 54 PD patients indicated for DBS. The independent variables were motor symptoms assessed by the Movement Disorder Society‐sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS III), depressive symptoms measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, age, disease duration and the presence of a general medical condition. The Mobility, Activities of daily living and Emotional well-being domains of the 39-item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) were also investigated as independent variables, and the Stigma domain of the PDQ-39 scale was considered the outcome variable.

Results:

After multiple linear regression analysis, activities of daily living remained associated with the Stigma domain (B = 0.42 [95%CI 0.003-0.83], p = 0.048). The full model accounted for 15% of the variance in the Stigma domain (p = 0.03).

Conclusions:

Although causal assumptions are not appropriate for cross-sectional studies, the results suggest that ADL difficulties could contribute to greater stigma in PD patients with refractory motor symptoms who are candidates for DBS.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Perceived Social Stigma Questionnaire (PSSQ-for adults with epilepsy): A mixed method study

BACKGROUND

Stigma is a subjective and multidimensional concept that is dependent on the understanding of individuals and social culture potentially influencing treatment and health in various aspects. The study of patient beliefs about epilepsy can help design preventive interventions. This study was conducted to develop and psychometrically evaluate the Perceived Social Stigma Questionnaire (PSSQ-for adults with epilepsy).

METHODS

This mixed method study of sequential exploratory quantitative-qualitative design was conducted within the framework of instrument development variant. The qualitative section consisted of item development and scale development. In the quantitative section (item analysis), the instrument was validated by investigating face, content, and construct validity and its reliability by internal consistency and stability.

CONCLUSION

The PSSQ-for adults with epilepsy is a culturally appropriate measure with strong psychometric properties. The tool developed in this study can measure the perceived social stigma of epilepsy. However, more information on the scale is needed before it is adequately improved to test interventions, including concurrent validity and sensitivity to change.

Epilepsy, language, and social skills

Language and social skills are essential for intrapersonal and interpersonal functioning and quality of life. Since epilepsy impacts these important domains of individuals' functioning, understanding the psychosocial and biological factors involved in the relationship among epilepsy, language, and social skills has important theoretical and clinical implications. This review first describes the psychosocial and biological factors involved in the association between language and social behavior in children and in adults and their relevance for epilepsy. It reviews the findings of studies of social skills and the few studies conducted on the inter-relationship of language and social skills in pediatric and adult epilepsy. The paper concludes with suggested future research and clinical directions that will enhance early identification and treatment of epilepsy patients at risk for impaired language and social skills.

Stigma, emotional aspects, and psychological symptoms in individuals with epilepsy

The relationship between stigma and psychological aspects in adults with epilepsy is poorly studied. The Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (SSE) was related to the Factorial Neuroticism Scale (FNS), Symptoms Assessment Scale-40 (SAS-40), and clinical aspects of 71 individuals with epilepsy, at a significance level of p < 0.05. Clinical and sociodemographic aspects are associated with the presence of psychological symptoms and emotional maladjustment. The occurrence of psychological symptoms in the SAS-40 was associated with uncontrolled seizures, longer illness duration, and perception of greater stigma. There was a relationship between perceived stigma, age, and epilepsy duration. In the linear regression for determining the factors that potentially affected perception of stigma, the symptom dimensions 'somatization' in the SAS-40 (p < 0.001) and the 'psychosocial maladjustment' in the FNS (p = 0.012) were included, and the clinical aspects were excluded. Psychological symptoms were associated with uncontrolled seizures and perceived stigma. Perception of stigma was associated with somatization and psychosocial maladjustment.

Disability patterns over the first year after a diagnosis of epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the patterns and predictors of disability over the first 12 months after a diagnosis of epilepsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Sydney Epilepsy Incidence Study to Measure Illness Consequences (SEISMIC) was a prospective, multicenter, community-based study of people with newly diagnosed epilepsy in Sydney, Australia. Disability was assessed using the World Health Organization's, Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 12-item version, at baseline (i.e. within 28 days of diagnosis) and 12 months post-diagnosis. Demographic, socioeconomic, clinical and epilepsy-related data, obtained through structured interviews, were entered into multivariable linear regression and shift analysis to determine predictors of greater disability.

RESULTS

Of 259 adults (≥18 years), 190 (73%) had complete WHODAS at baseline (mean ± SD scores 4 ± 6) and follow-up (4 ± 8). After adjustment for age, sex and co-morbidity, greater overall disability at 12 months was associated with lower education (P = 0.05), economic hardship (P = 0.004), multiple antiepileptic medications (P = 0.02) and greater disability (P < 0.001) at the time of diagnosis; these variables explained 38.3% of the variance. Among the 12 WHODAS items, "being emotionally affected by health problems" was the most frequent disability problem identified at both time points (all P < 0.0001). The proportion of participants without problems in that domain improved over 12 months (from 24% to 50%, P < 0.0001), whereas the other 11 items remained relatively stable. Independent baseline predictors of a worse emotional outcome at 12 months were severe/extreme emotional distress (odds ratio [OR] 4.52, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.67-12.24), economic hardship (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.24-4.25) and perceived stigma (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.03-3.93).

CONCLUSION

Most people report problems with emotional health after a diagnosis of epilepsy but many recover over the next 12 months. Services addressing the social and psychological impact of diagnosis may be needed to improve outcome.

[Psychometric properties of the Stigma Scale of Epilepsy]

AIM

To assess the psychometric properties of the Stigma Scale of Epilepsy, a short simple to complete questionnaire to quickly and reliably determine the presence and the level of perceived stigma in a particular patient, as well as to assess the prevalence, socio-demographic, clinical and socio-psychological factors associated with this phenomenon.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 398 patients with epilepsy. Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to assess the psychometric characteristics of the scale.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The EFA showed a two-factor scale structure explaining 57.25% of the variance. Values of GFI 0.948, CFI 0.927 and RMSEA 0.057 after the data correction show a good conformity of the model to the empirical data. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.862 for the scale, 0.815 for factor 1, 0.809 for factor 2, which indicates a high consistency of both the entire scale and its subscales. The Russian-language variant of the Stigma Scale of Epilepsy is a short, economical to use tool with good psychometric properties for assessing perceived stigma in patients with epilepsy.

Relationships between knowledge, attitudes, stigma, anxiety and depression, and quality of life in epilepsy: A structural equation modeling

PURPOSE

Epilepsy not only is a medical disorder characterized by seizures, but is also associated with stigma and a neurological disorder that affects quality of life. Insufficient knowledge and misconceptions about epilepsy that causes the development of negative attitudes towards patients with epilepsy increase the stigmatization and psychosocial problems and impact the quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between epilepsy knowledge, attitude, stigma, anxiety and depression, and quality of life within the framework of structural equation modeling.

METHOD

This research was carried out between May 2015 and May 2016 at the Epilepsy Outpatient Clinic of Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine. The Epilepsy Knowledge Scale, Epilepsy Attitude Scale, Stigma Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Quality of Life in Epilepsy Scale-10 (QOLIE-10) were used. To determine the relationship between the concepts, research hypotheses were created, and structural equation modeling was made.

RESULTS

Two hundred five patients were included in the study, 53.7% were women, and the mean age was 32.5. It was found that 72.2% had generalized seizures, and 46.3% had more than one seizure per month. According to our proposed model, knowledge had a moderate relationship with attitude (including stigma) (r = 0.50) that, in turn, had a strong relationship with mental health (r = -0.62) while a moderate relationship with quality of life (r = 0.45). Our findings revealed that proposed model accounted for 20% of the variance in quality of life and 39% of the variance in mental health (anxiety and depression).

CONCLUSION

Mental health and quality of life of patient with epilepsy are closely related to the knowledge, attitude, and perceived stigma of the patients. Therefore, educating/supporting patients can help increase the mental health and quality of life.

Correlates of stigma in adults with epilepsy: A systematic review of quantitative studies

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review was to identify quantitative correlates, predictors, and outcomes of stigma in adults with epilepsy living in Western countries.

METHODS

To identify relevant literature, four academic databases (PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus) were systematically searched using key terms related to stigma and epilepsy.

RESULTS

Thirty-three research papers reporting findings from 25 quantitative studies of correlates of stigma in epilepsy were identified. The findings suggest that stigma can be predicted by demographic, illness-related, and psychosocial factors, although associations were found to be highly culturally specific. Outcomes of stigma in people with epilepsy were replicated more consistently across cultures, and its impact was significant. Detrimental effects included both worse physical health, including less effective management of the condition, and reduced psychological well-being, including difficulties such as depression and anxiety.

IMPLICATIONS

Educational initiatives and therapeutic interventions that aim to address stigma in people with epilepsy are recommended; however, these need to be culturally informed to ensure that they are valid and effective.

Depression in epilepsy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review some aspects of the relationship between epilepsy and depression that have recently received increasing attention and may become major research topics in the near future.

RECENT FINDINGS

Epidemiological studies show that depression and suicide are, in some cases, premorbid symptoms preceding the onset of the epilepsy. Suicide is also three times more frequent in epilepsy than in the general population. Reliable screening instruments for depression and suicidality in patients with epilepsy are now available but data from real life clinical settings are needed to develop shared clinical pathways between neurology and psychiatry. Data in children with epilepsy are still limited although it is well known that, outside epilepsy, almost 50% of adult patients with mood and anxiety disorders have a previous history during childhood. Despite increasing attention to the problem, the additional stigma associated with mental health problems still represents one of the major barriers to prompt diagnosis and treatment.

SUMMARY

New studies will focus on the development of shared clinical pathways between neurology and psychiatry for mood disorders and suicide prevention. New global campaigns on the double stigma will support this process in areas where psychiatric comorbidities are still underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Quality of Life and Stigma in Epilepsy, Perspectives from Selected Regions of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa

Epilepsy is an important and common worldwide public health problem that affects people of all ages. A significant number of individuals with epilepsy will be intractable to medication. These individuals experience an elevated mortality rate and negative psychosocial consequences of recurrent seizures. Surgery of epilepsy is highly effective to stop seizures in well-selected individuals, and seizure freedom is the most desirable result of epilepsy treatment due to the positive improvements in psychosocial function and the elimination of excess mortality associated with intractable epilepsy. Globally, there is inadequate data to fully assess epilepsy-related quality of life and stigma, although the preponderance of information we have points to a significant negative impact on people with epilepsy (PWE) and families of PWE. This review of the psychosocial impact of epilepsy focuses on regions of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa that have been analyzed with population study approaches to determine the prevalence of epilepsy, treatment gaps, as well as factors impacting psychosocial function of PWE and their families. This review additionally identifies models of care for medically intractable epilepsy that have potential to significantly improve psychosocial function.

Does surgery help in reducing stigma associated with drug refractory epilepsy in children?

INTRODUCTION

Epilepsy has several comorbidities and associated stigma. Stigma associated with epilepsy is well known and prevalent worldwide. Surgical treatment is an established treatment for drug refractory epilepsy. Following surgery in children, it is possible that the stigma may reduce, but such an effect has not been studied earlier.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis of prospectively collected data was performed for pediatric patients at a single tertiary center for treating epilepsy. Child stigma scale, as described by Austin et al., was used to evaluate stigma both pre- and postoperatively. Analysis was done using Paired t test.

RESULTS

In this study, following surgery, there was significant reduction of stigma (P<0.001). This was proportional to the reduction in seizures, though there were 9 (30%) patients, who due to persistent neurodisability did not have any reduction of stigma despite having good seizure outcome.

CONCLUSION

Surgery in drug-resistant epilepsy helps in reducing stigma. Seizure reduction is probably not the only factor responsible for a change in stigma outcome.

Stigma accounts for depression in patients with epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

Epilepsy is a chronic disease with an increased risk of stigmatization due to psychosocial consequences of the seizures. Intuitively, one may well conclude that stigmatization would lead to depression in patients with epilepsy as well as in other patient groups with increased risk of stigmatization. Indeed, there are a few studies in support of this intuition. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between level of stigmatization and the severity of the depressive symptoms in our patients with epilepsy.

METHODS

This is a substudy of our main study, which aimed to develop a scale for the quantification of the stigma level in patients with epilepsy. The study included a total of 302 patients with epilepsy, who had at least a literacy level education and one-week-seizure-freedom. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to quantify depressive symptoms. The correlation between BDI scores and the Stigma Scale for Epilepsy-Self Report (SSE-SR) scores was evaluated. A regression analysis was done in order to parse out significant sociodemographic and clinical factors contributing to depressive symptoms. Statistical analyses were done using the Statistics Package for the Social Sciences software 24.0 package program.

RESULTS

We saw that 46.9% (n=139) of this population rated themselves as having at least mildly depressive symptoms with BDI (BDI>9). There was a moderate positive correlation between stigma scores and BDI scores (p=0.000, r=0.504), and 96.3% of highly stigmatized patients had at least mildly depressive scores, 73.9% of the nonstigmatized group had none or minimal depressive scores. Stigma scores (β=.51), gender, educational level, seizure frequency, and income level were the variables significantly affecting the BDI scores. Stigma score accounted for 26.2% of the variance in the BDI score.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that stigmatization of the patients with epilepsy leads to depression in those patients. Therefore, protection of the patients with epilepsy against stigmatization may also help to protect them from a concomitant disabling condition. On the other hand, detection for depressive symptoms in already stigmatized patients with epilepsy may unearth a treatable condition.

Psychosocial Burden and Stigma Perception of Jordanian Patients With Epilepsy

Epilepsy requires long-term treatment that interferes with individuals’ social relationships. Because the effects of psychosocial burden and stigma perception on patients with epilepsy in Jordan have not been explored, the study assessed the relationship among psychosocial burden, stigma of epilepsy, and demographic variables. Subjects were adult patients with epilepsy ( N = 200) registered at hospital clinics. Two published instruments were used to measure outcomes. The participants in the study perceived the burden and stigma of epilepsy as moderate. A strong, positive correlation between psychosocial burden and stigma perception among participants was found. Stigma perception, employment, and education variables explained 31.6% of variation of the level of psychosocial burden. The results showed a relationship between stigma perception and psychosocial level, and this provides information that may assist health care providers in formulating strategic plans to improve the care, safety, and quality of life of patients with epilepsy in Jordan.

The association of psychosocial variables with adherence to antiepileptic drugs in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the association between psychosocial factors and adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 123 individuals with TLE, admitted to our epilepsy center from December 2015 to May 2017. The participants completed standardized self-report questionnaires measuring medication adherence, anxiety, depression, and family and social support. Adherence was measured by the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS), and logistic regression was used to examine statistically significant associations of different variables with adherence.

RESULTS

We found a 33.3% rate of poor AED adherence. Moderate-to-severe anxiety (odds ratio (OR)=2.851, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.138-7.144, P=0.025) and the presence of hippocampal sclerosis (OR=3.098, 95% CI=1.259-7.620, P=0.014) were positively associated with poor adherence to antiepileptic drugs. Social support (OR=0.925, 95% CI=0.863-0.990, P=0.025) was negatively associated with poor adherence. Neither depression nor family support was associated with adherence.

CONCLUSION

One-third of patients with TLE were prone to poor AED adherence, especially individuals with hippocampal sclerosis. Intervention approaches designed to improve AED adherence in patients with TLE should focus on psychosocial factors.

[Structural Equation Modeling on Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Epilepsy]

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify variables influencing the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adults with epilepsy in order to establish a structural model and design an intervention strategy to improve patients' HRQoL.

METHODS

The selected subjects were 212 patients with epilepsy aged between 18 and 70 years who were currently receiving treatment from hospital, general hospital, and clinic. They were surveyed using a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

The goodness of fit measures of the final hypothetical model were as follows: χ²/df=2.51, GFI=.91, AGFI=.90, CFI=.96, SRMR=.04, NFI=.93, and RMSEA=.08. The major variables influencing the HRQoL of adults with epilepsy were epilepsy self-efficacy, depression, social support, and side effects of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), which were significant in the mentioned order, whereas the duration of AEDs use and perceived stigma did not show any effects. Six variables accounted for 75.6% of HRQoL. Variables having a direct and total effect on the HRQoL of adults with epilepsy were the side effects of AEDs, social support, epilepsy self-efficacy, and depression, and those with an indirect effect were the side effects of AEDs and social support.

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to accurately identify the side effects of AEDs in adults with epilepsy and accurately observe the physical changes caused by depression. In addition, it is imperative to establish an active and effective nursing intervention program to strengthen the self-efficacy of the patients and to improve their quality of life through social support provided by family members and medical professionals.

Epilepsy and stigmatization in Turkey

Patients with epilepsy experience stigmatization quite often. Studies investigating stigmatization perceived by patients with epilepsy in Turkey are limited in number. In this study, we aimed to understand the relationship between stigmatization and psychopathology and also to identify the effects of stigmatization on the quality of life in epilepsy. Patients completed a socio-demographical data form and epilepsy information form. They were evaluated in terms of psychiatric diagnosis using SCID I and they were asked to complete SCL-90 R, Epilepsy Stigmatization Scale and SF 36. The percentages of patients who did and did not report perception of stigmatization were similar in the study group. Depression was the most common diagnosis followed by anxiety disorder. In comparison to patients who did not feel stigmatized, patients who reported perceived stigmatization had a higher frequency of generalized tonic clonic seizures and injuries during seizures and more frequently missed taking their medication. They also showed higher rates of both suicide attempts and psychopathology as evidenced by a higher rate of psychiatric diagnosis and higher score in all the subscales of SCL 90. With regard to their quality of life they were observed to be more disabled in the physical functioning, general health perception, vitality, social role functioning and mental health dimensions. A logistic regression analysis revealed that stigmatization was best predicted by three variables: history of suicide attempts, receiving a psychiatric diagnosis and higher score in SCL90PST. Our study has shown that psychopathology is a more significant predictor of stigmatization than the other variables related with seizure control.

Correlates of perceived stigma for people living with epilepsy: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Epilepsy, one of the most common, serious chronic neurological diseases, is accompanied by different levels of perceived stigma that affects people in almost all age groups. This stigma can negatively impact the physical and mental health of people living with epilepsy (PLWE). Good knowledge of perceived stigma for PLWE is important. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify the correlates of perceived stigma for PLWE.

METHODS

Studies on factors associated with perceived stigma for PLWE, including sociodemographic, psychosocial, and disease-related variables, were searched in PubMed, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and Web of Science.

RESULTS

Nineteen variables (k>1) were included in the meta-analysis. For sociodemographic characteristics, findings revealed that the significant weighted mean correlation (R) for "residence" and "poor financial status" were 0.177 and 0.286, respectively. For disease-related characteristics, all variables of significance, including "seizure severity," "seizure frequency," "number of medicines," and "adverse event" (R ranging from 0.190 to 0.362), were positively correlated with perceived stigma. For psychosocial characteristics, "depression" and "anxiety" with R values of 0.414 and 0.369 were significantly associated with perceived stigma. In addition, "social support," "quality of life (QOLIE-31,89)," "knowledge," and "attitude," with R values ranging from -0.444 to -0.200 indicating negative correlation with perceived stigma.

CONCLUSION

The current meta-analysis evaluated the correlates of perceived stigma for PLWE. Results can serve as a basis for policymakers and healthcare professionals for formulating health promotion and prevention strategies.

Stigmatization toward irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease in an online cohort

BACKGROUND

Stigma is associated with many negative health outcomes. Research has examined perceived and internalized stigma in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but less has been done to evaluate levels of enacted stigma associated with these conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of enacted stigma toward IBS and IBD in the general population compared to an adult-onset asthma (AOA) control group.

METHODS

Participants were recruited via social media and a research-dedicated website and completed all measures online. Participants were randomized to one of six clinical vignettes: (i) IBD male, (ii) IBD female, (iii) IBS male, (iv) IBS female, (v) AOA male, or (vi) AOA female. Participants read the assigned vignette and then completed measures of emotional empathy, level of familiarity, and enacted stigma.

KEY RESULTS

Participants reported higher levels of enacted stigma toward IBS compared to both IBD and AOA. No differences in stigma were found between IBD and AOA. Higher levels of familiarity were most strongly correlated with reduced IBD-related stigma, with weaker but still significant correlations between level of familiarity and IBS and AOA. Higher levels of emotional empathy were associated with reduced stigma for IBD, IBS, and AOA.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Individuals with IBS experience greater levels of enacted stigma compared to IBD and AOA. This finding is consistent with previous research that has shown greater levels of perceived and internalized stigma in IBS compared to IBD.

Attitudes towards epilepsy among a sample of Turkish patients with epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

The attitude of patients with epilepsy towards their disease is an important factor in disease management and quality of life. The aim of this study was to define the attitudes of patients with epilepsy towards their disease and the factors that affect their attitudes.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

This descriptive study was performed on patients admitted to an epilepsy outpatient clinic of a university hospital between May and September 2015. The sample consisted of 70 patients over 18years of age with a diagnosis of epilepsy and no health problem other than epilepsy. Patients with no seizure in the last two years were excluded. The Epilepsy Attitude Scale was used to evaluate attitudes of the patients towards epilepsy; the Epilepsy Knowledge Scale, Rotter's Locus of Control Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy-10 (QOLIE-10) were used to investigate the attitude-related factors.

RESULTS

Among the 70 participants, 43 were female, and the mean age was 31.4years. The educational level of the patients was lower (primary school) in 38.6% of the sample, and 18.6% were unemployed. Time since diagnosis was 15.1years, 75.7% of the participants had generalized type of seizures, and more than half had seizures more frequently than once a month. The mean score of the attitude scale was 59.7±6.62 (range: 14-70). The attitudes of the patients towards epilepsy were found to be related to their educational status, living alone, and the attitudes of their families. The attitude scores were also related to the level of knowledge on epilepsy, stigma, and depression. Furthermore, the attitude was found to be correlated with quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Patients with epilepsy had moderate-to-good attitude towards their disease. It was observed that the attitude was related to the knowledge, stigma, and depression rather than to demographic factors and the seizures, and furthermore, the attitude was found to be correlated with quality of life.

Psychosocial aspects of epilepsy: a wider approach

SUMMARY

Epilepsy is one of the most serious neurological conditions and has an impact not only on the affected individual but also on the family and, indirectly, on the community. A global approach to the individual must take into account cognitive problems, psychiatric comorbidities and all psychosocial complications that often accompany epilepsy. We discuss psychosocial issues in epilepsy with special focus on the relationship between stigma and psychiatric comorbidities. Social barriers to optimal care and health outcomes for people with epilepsy result in huge disparities, and the public health system needs to invest in awareness programmes to increase public knowledge and reduce stigma in order to minimise such disparities.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

J.W.S. receives research support from the Dr Marvin Weil Epilepsy Research Fund, Eisai, GlaxoSmithKline, the World Health Organization and the EU's FP7 programme, and has been consulted by, and has received fees for lectures from, GlaxoSmithKline, Eisai, Lundbeck, Teva and UCB.

COPYRIGHT AND USAGE

© The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2016. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Non-Commercial, No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) license.

A systematic review of disease-related stigmatization in patients living with inflammatory bowel disease

Chronic illness stigma is a global public health issue. Most widely studied in HIV/AIDS and mental illness, stigmatization of patients living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic autoimmune conditions affecting the digestive tract, has garnered increasing attention in recent years. In this paper, we systematically review the scientific literature on stigma as it relates to IBD across its three domains: perception, internalization, and discrimination experiences. We aim to document the current state of research, identify gaps in our knowledge, recognize unique challenges that IBD patients may face as they relate to stigmatization, and offer suggestions for future research directions. Based on the current review, patients living with IBD may encounter stigmatization and this may, in turn, impact several patient outcomes including quality of life, psychological functioning, and treatment adherence. Significant gaps exist related to the understanding of IBD stigma, providing opportunity for future studies to address this important public health issue.

Does the concept of resilience contribute to understanding good quality of life in the context of epilepsy?

A significant body of research highlights negative impacts of epilepsy for individual quality of life (QOL). Poor seizure control is frequently associated with reporting of poor QOL and good seizure control with good QOL; however, this is not a universal finding. Evidence suggests that some people enjoy good QOL despite ongoing seizures while others report poor QOL despite good seizure control. Understanding the factors that influence QOL for people with epilepsy and the processes via which such factors exert their influence is central to the development of interventions to support people with epilepsy to experience the best possible QOL. We present findings of a qualitative investigation exploring influences and processes on QOL for people with epilepsy. We describe the clinical, psychological, and social factors contributing to QOL. In particular, we focus on the value of the concept of resilience for understanding quality of life in epilepsy. Based on our analysis, we propose a model of resilience wherein four key component sets of factors interact to determine QOL. This model reflects the fluid nature of resilience that, we suggest, is subject to change based on shifts within the individual components and the interactions between them. The model offers a representation of the complex influences that act and interact to either mitigate or further compound the negative impacts of epilepsy on individual QOL.

Recent changes in attitudes of US adults toward people with epilepsy - Results from the 2005 SummerStyles and 2013 FallStyles surveys

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the validity and the reliability of two components of the Attitudes and Beliefs about Living with Epilepsy (ABLE) scale and to measure the magnitude of the public's attitudes and behaviors toward persons with epilepsy using U.S. nationally representative samples in 2005 and 2013.

METHODS

We used data from the cross-sectional 2005 SummerStyles and 2013 FallStyles surveys to test the underlying structure of 16 items of the work and role expectations and personal fear and social avoidance subscales of ABLE by performing exploratory factor analysis (EFA). We estimated the percentages and 95% confidence intervals of adults who agreed or disagreed with each item. We also calculated the mean score of each subscale and used linear regression to obtain means adjusted for selected sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a two-factor structure, but with the exception of omitting one item regarding work activities persons with epilepsy cannot do work activities safely, from one subscale. Both subscales also showed a high level of reliability (Cronbach's α=0.8 and Cronbach's α=0.9, respectively). Among the items in the work and role expectations subscale, a significantly higher percentage of adults in 2013 than in 2005 reported strongly or moderately agreeing that persons with epilepsy can do anything as well as anyone else (56.4%, 95% CI=54.1-58.7 vs. 47.6%, 95% CI=45.8-49.3) and can cope with everyday life (69.8%, 95% CI=67.5-72.0 vs. 55.0%, 95% CI=53.2-56.7). Among the items in the personal fear and social avoidance subscale, a significantly higher percentage of adults reported in 2013 than in 2005 strongly or moderately agreeing that they would be nervous around persons with epilepsy (25.4%, 95% CI=23.4-27.5 vs. 16.8%, 95% CI=15.4-18.2) and would avoid those with frequent seizures (12.4%, 95% CI=11.0-13.9 vs. 7.6%, 95% CI=6.7-8.7). The adjusted mean score for work and role expectations differed by sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, and income in both years. The adjusted mean score for personal fear and social avoidance differed by sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, and marital status. Negative attitudes were slightly but significantly higher in 2013 than in 2005.

CONCLUSIONS

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's ABLE scale is a valid and reliable scale that can be used to study and to track the public's attitudes and behaviors toward persons with epilepsy. Compared with 2005, US adults' reported level of expectations for persons with epilepsy improved only in certain aspects by 2013. Adults' level of personal fear and intention for social avoidance worsened from 2005 to 2013. Because the levels of expectations and of fear and social avoidance differed by sociodemographic characteristics, continued efforts tailored to specific groups are needed. To supplement educational programs focused on improving knowledge, new communication approaches grounded in decision theory that quell risk perceptions and allay negative emotional responses are recommended.

Genetic causal attribution of epilepsy and its implications for felt stigma

OBJECTIVE

Research in other disorders suggests that genetic causal attribution of epilepsy might be associated with increased stigma. We investigated this hypothesis in a unique sample of families containing multiple individuals with epilepsy.

METHODS

One hundred eighty-one people with epilepsy and 178 biologic relatives without epilepsy completed a self-administered survey. In people with epilepsy, felt stigma was assessed through the Epilepsy Stigma Scale (ESS), scored 1-7, with higher scores indicating more stigma and >4 indicating some felt stigma. Felt stigma related to having epilepsy in the family was assessed through the Family Epilepsy Stigma Scale (FESS), created by replacing "epilepsy" with "epilepsy in my family" in each ESS item. Genetic attribution was assessed through participants' perceptions of the (1) role of genetics in causing epilepsy in the family, (2) chance they had an epilepsy-related mutation, and (3) (in people with epilepsy) influence of genetics in causing their epilepsy.

RESULTS

Among people with epilepsy, 22% met criteria for felt stigma (ESS score >4). Scores were increased among individuals who were aged ≥60 years, were unemployed, reported epilepsy-related discrimination, or had seizures within the last year or >100 seizures in their lifetime. Adjusting for other variables, ESS scores in people with epilepsy were significantly higher among those who perceived genetics played a "medium" or "big" role in causing epilepsy in the family than in others (3.4 vs. 2.7, p = 0.025). Only 4% of relatives without epilepsy had felt stigma. Scores in relatives were unrelated to genetic attribution.

SIGNIFICANCE

In these unusual families, predictors of felt stigma in individuals with epilepsy are similar to those in other studies, and stigma levels are low in relatives without epilepsy. Felt stigma may be increased in people with epilepsy who believe epilepsy in the family has a genetic cause, emphasizing the need for sensitive communication about genetics.

Factors associated with increased felt stigma among individuals with epilepsy

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to determine whether certain demographic, clinical, and psychosocial traits are associated with higher levels of felt stigma among persons with epilepsy (PWE) patients followed at a level 4 epilepsy center.

METHODS

We performed a direct survey of 182 consenting patients that included the Epilepsy Stigma Scale.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, higher levels of perceived stigma were associated with age, marital status, race, driving, work status, seizure etiology, Quality of Life in Epilepsy-10 (QOLIE-10) scores, and health literacy. Among coping reactions, the use of denial, behavioral disengagement and venting were also associated with higher degrees of felt stigma. Using multiple linear regression, being single, poorer QOLIE-10 scores, difficulties understanding written information, and the use of behavioral disengagement were independently associated with poorer scores on the Epilepsy Stigma Scale.

CONCLUSION

Our study paints a compelling profile of a PWE who has greater perceived stigma. Programs that increase the level of social support, improve health literacy, and enhance quality of life may also help decrease the amount of felt stigma among PWE.

Suicidal risk, affective dysphoric disorders, and quality-of-life perception in patients with focal refractory epilepsy

OBJECTIVES

We aim to study the frequency of (suicidal ideation) in patients with focal refractory epilepsy and its possible association with factors such as perceived QOL (quality of life) and ASDD (affective somatoform dysphoric disorder) using the 2007 ILAE proposal to classify affective disorders of epilepsy.

METHODS

A total sample of 82 patients was divided into two groups depending on the presence of suicidal risk: (A) study group - with suicidal risk and (B) control group - without suicidal risk. Questionnaires, scales, interviews, and clinical charts were evaluated by professionals with expertise in neurology and epileptology (RAM and AGA), psychiatry (AGE), and neuropsychology (FGR). Suicidal risk was evaluated with the M.I.N.I. (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview) suicidal module that specifies the current suicidal risk based on scores. Quality of life was evaluated with the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory - 31 (QOLIE-31) survey. Logistic regression was conducted to ascertain if ASDD and QOL significantly predicted suicidal risk. The results were considered statistically significant when the p-value was <0.05.

RESULTS

Suicidal risk was present in 33 (40.3%) patients. It was classified as severe in 31.7% of the patients, and it was only present in cases with temporal lobe epilepsy (p=0.002). More than half (52%) of patients with ASDD had risk of suicide (p=0.006). The presence of ASDD was found to be a risk factor for suicidal risk (OR=3.86; IC=1.3-12.2). Patients with suicidal risk had a lower QOL score compared with patients without suicidal risk (57.8±16.9 vs. 46.0±18.2; p<0.05), and an affected QOL significantly increased suicidal risk (OR=2.9; CI=1.3-7.8). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that an impaired QOL (OR=2.2) and the presence of ASDD (OR=4.1) significantly increased the probability of having suicidal risk (x(2)=13.6; OR=5.2; p=0.009).

SIGNIFICANCE

Affective somatoform dysphoric disorder and low QOL perception increase, independently, the risk of suicide.

Epilepsy-related stigma in European people with epilepsy: correlations with health system performance and overall quality of life

We aimed to relate the percentages of encountered epilepsy-related stigma in people with epilepsy with quantitative indicators of the quality of health systems and quality of life by country in Europe. The epilepsy-related stigma percentages were obtained from the largest population-based study in people with epilepsy available. We correlated percentages of people with perceived stigma per European country with data on the country's overall health system performance, health expenditure per capita in international dollars, and the Economist Intelligence Unit's quality-of-life index. We found a nonsignificant trend towards negative correlation between the epilepsy-related stigma percentage and the overall health system performance (r=-0.16; p=0.57), the health expenditure per capita in international dollars (r=-0.24; p=0.4), and the Economist Intelligence Unit's quality-of-life index (r=-0.33; p=0.91). Living in a European country with a better health system performance and higher health expenditure per capita does not necessarily lead to a reduction in perceived epilepsy-related discrimination, unless the public health system invests on awareness programs to increase public knowledge and reduce stigma.