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Makhado L, Maphula A, Ngomba RT, Musekwa OP, Makhado TG, Nemathaga M, Rammela M, Munyadziwa M, Striano P. Epilepsy in rural South Africa: Patient experiences and healthcare challenges. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:1565-1574. [PMID: 38884148 PMCID: PMC11296125 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigates the prevalent issues of healthcare access and the impact of antiseizure treatments among people with epilepsy (PWE) in rural Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa, where healthcare facilities and affordable treatments are often inadequate. METHODS Using a cross-sectional survey, 162 PWE were selected using multistage sampling across the provinces. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed descriptively using SPSS v27. RESULTS Most of the participants experienced seizures intermittently, with 70.6% in Limpopo and 53.3% in Mpumalanga reporting occasional episodes, whereas a significant minority in both regions-20.6% and 40%, respectively-suffered from frequent seizures. A notable portion of PWE also reported recurring side effects from antiseizure drugs, which led to consequential life disruptions, including educational dropout and unemployment. SIGNIFICANCE The findings underscore an urgent need for enhanced educational programs and increased awareness to improve the understanding and management of epilepsy in these underserved areas. Optimizing care for PWE requires a multifaceted approach, including evaluating healthcare accessibility, affordability, and societal beliefs influencing treatment adherence. The study advocates for government and policy interventions to mitigate the quality of life deterioration caused by epilepsy and its treatment in rural communities. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY In Limpopo and Mpumalanga, many individuals with epilepsy experience seizures occasionally, while a significant minority have them frequently. Numerous people also suffer recurring side effects from antiseizure medications, impacting their lives severely by causing school dropouts and job losses. This underscores the urgent need for improved education and awareness programs to manage epilepsy in these provinces effectively. The study urges government action and policy reforms to enhance care and support for people with epilepsy in rural areas, aiming to improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lufuno Makhado
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of VendaThohoyandouLimpopo ProvinceSouth Africa
| | - Angelina Maphula
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of VendaThohoyandouLimpopo ProvinceSouth Africa
| | - Richard Teke Ngomba
- School of PharmacyUniversity of Lincoln, Joseph Banks LaboratoriesLincolnshireUK
| | - Ofhani Prudance Musekwa
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of HumanitiesUniversity of JohannesburgJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Thendo Gertie Makhado
- Department of Advanced Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of VendaThohoyandouLimpopo ProvinceSouth Africa
| | - Muofheni Nemathaga
- Department of Advanced Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of VendaThohoyandouLimpopo ProvinceSouth Africa
| | - Mukovhe Rammela
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of VendaThohoyandouLimpopo ProvinceSouth Africa
| | - Muimeleli Munyadziwa
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of VendaThohoyandouLimpopo ProvinceSouth Africa
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases UnitIRCCS Istituto Giannina GasliniGenoaItaly
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child HealthUniversity of GenovaGenoaItaly
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Ben-Menachem E, Schmitz B, Kälviäinen R, Thomas RH, Klein P. The burden of chronic drug-refractory focal onset epilepsy: Can it be prevented? Epilepsy Behav 2023; 148:109435. [PMID: 37748414 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Despite the many therapeutic options for epilepsy available today, a third of patients still have poorly controlled epilepsy. Over the years, their transition through lines of treatment exposes them to increased risk of disease progression, mortality, morbidity, mental distress, and not least significantly impaired quality of life (QoL). The present review explores the multiple factors contributing to the impairment of health-related QoL in PWE-including both seizure-related and non seizure-related. The analysis aims to identify potential areas of intervention and strategies for a more holistic approach to epilepsy care and inform policy-makers and healthcare providers in their approach to this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bettina Schmitz
- Neurology/Center for Epilepsy, Stroke Unit and Neurological Rehabilitation, Vivantes Humboldt Hospital, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | - Rhys H Thomas
- Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Rd, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE1 4LP, United Kingdom; Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Henry Wellcome Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom.
| | - Pavel Klein
- Department of Neurology, George Washington University, Boston, United States.
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Lim SN, Wu T, Tseng WEJ, Chang CW, Hsieh HY, Cheng MY, Chiang HI, Lee CH, Lin WR, Liu CJ. Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy: Seizure and Social Outcomes in Taiwan. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11081197. [PMID: 37108031 PMCID: PMC10138449 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) may not achieve seizure freedom despite optimal treatment with antiseizure medications (ASMs). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and social features of patients with JME, and to determine the factors associated with outcomes. We retrospectively identified 49 patients with JME (25 females, mean age 27.6 ± 8.9 years) who were assessed at the Epilepsy Centre of Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. The patients were divided into two groups, those who were seizure-free and those with ongoing seizures according to their seizure outcome at the last follow-up for one year. Clinical features and social status were compared between these two groups. Twenty-four (49%) of the JME patients were seizure-free for at least one year, while 51% continued to experience seizures despite being treated with multiple ASMs. The presence of epileptiform discharges in the last electroencephalogram and seizures during sleep were significantly associated with worse seizure outcomes (p < 0.05). The patients who were seizure-free had a higher employment rate compared to those who continued to experience seizures (75% vs. 32%, p = 0.004). Despite receiving ASM treatment, a considerable proportion of the patients with JME continued to have seizures. Moreover, poor seizure control was associated with a lower employment rate, which may lead to negative socioeconomic consequences related to JME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew-Na Lim
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Tony Wu
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wei-En Johnny Tseng
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chang
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yao Hsieh
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Yun Cheng
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-I Chiang
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hong Lee
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wey-Ran Lin
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jing Liu
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Thorbecke R, Pfäfflin M, Bien CG, Hamer HM, Holtkamp M, Rating D, Schulze-Bonhage A, Straub HB, Strzelczyk A, May TW. Have attitudes toward epilepsy improved in Germany over the last 50 years? Epilepsy Behav 2023; 138:108982. [PMID: 36459812 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In Germany, six previous representative surveys on attitudes toward epilepsy (AE) have been conducted between 1967 and 2008 using the four original Caveness questions (CQs) from 1949 to 1980. The aims of this study were (1) to investigate changes in AE over the time span of 50 years, including the current survey in 2018 (2) to investigate the first-time emotional reactions measured with the Scales of Attitudes toward People with Epilepsy (SAPE) (3) to identify predictors of AE. METHODS A representative face-to-face survey with CQ, in addition with the SAPE scales of Social Distance, Stereotypes, Personal Concerns, and Emotional Reactions was carried out in Germany in 2018. One thousand and twenty-six persons who ever had heard of epilepsy participated. Respondents who answered "don't know" in the CQs were subsequently asked to answer only yes/no. The analysis of trends from 1967 to 2018 was based on the pooled data of the surveys. The four CQs in the 2018 survey were included in the SAPE item pool and an exploratory principal axis factor analysis was performed. General linear models were performed to identify predictors. RESULTS For all four CQs, the trend of improved AE was significant over the past 50 years. In the 2018 survey, excluding the "don't know" answer option increased the proportion of negative responses for contact of one's own children with a person with epilepsy (PWE) from 6.9% to 11.4% and for the marriage of one's own children with a PWE from 13.9% to 23.8%. When encountering a PWE, 30.1% would feel insecure or uncomfortable and nearly 60% were concerned that the PWE might be injured in case of a seizure. Knowing what to do in case of a seizure, knowing that seizures can be treated successfully, personal contact with a PWE along with younger age, and higher education were found to be the strongest predictors for positive AE identified by multivariate analyses. Exploratory principal axis factor analysis revealed that three of the four CQs items loaded > 0.30 at the factors of Social Distance and Stereotypes of SAPE but none on the factors measuring emotional reactions. SIGNIFICANCE AE measured by CQs have markedly improved in Germany over the last 50 years. Germany is to our knowledge the only country with such a long-term trend investigation in AE. Negative AE may be underestimated by survey questions with "don't know" answer option. Emotional aspects of attitudes are underexposed resp. neglected in the CQs, which are used worldwide for measuring AE. Additional tools like SAPE can close this gap. The identified predictors may help to derive interventions against negative AE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margarete Pfäfflin
- Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Campus Bielefeld-Bethel, Germany
| | - Christian G Bien
- Society of Epilepsy Research, Epilepsy Center Bethel, Bielefeld, Germany; Dept. of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Bielefeld University, Campus Bielefeld-Bethel, Germany
| | - Hajo M Hamer
- Epilepsy Center, Dept. of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Holtkamp
- Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Institute for Diagnostics of Epilepsy, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Schulze-Bonhage
- Epilepsy Center, University Medical Center - University of Freiburg, European Reference Network Epicare, Germany
| | - Hans-Beatus Straub
- Epilepsy Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Epilepsieklinik Tabor, Bernau, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Theodor W May
- Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Campus Bielefeld-Bethel, Germany; University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, Germany
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Dual burdens of felt stigma and depressive symptoms in patients with epilepsy: Their association with social anxiety, marriage, and employment. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 134:108782. [PMID: 35914436 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study evaluated whether patients with epilepsy with dual conditions of felt stigma and depressive symptoms are more strongly associated with social anxiety, being unmarried, and being unemployed than those with depressive symptoms or felt stigma alone. METHODS This multicenter, cross-sectional study evaluated subjects using the Stigma Scale-Revised, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the six-item versions of the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, and the companion Social Phobia Scale. Subjects were grouped by depressive symptoms and felt stigma into four groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS The 298 subjects included 173 men and 125 women. Of these subjects, 35 (11.7%) had depressive symptoms alone, 33 (11.1%) had stigma alone, and 27 (9.1%) had both depressive symptoms and felt stigma. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that, compared with the control group having neither depressive symptoms nor felt stigma, the odds ratios (ORs) for social interaction anxiety and social phobia were highest in the group of dual conditions (OR 18.7 and 13.5, respectively), followed by the depression-alone (OR 7.7 and 4.6, respectively) and stigma-alone (OR 5.0 and 2.8, respectively) groups. Similarly, the ORs for being unmarried (OR 29.2) and unemployed (OR 3.1) were significant only in the group of dual conditions. In addition, male sex and younger age were independently associated with being unmarried whereas seizures recurring ≥1 per month were independently associated with being unemployed. CONCLUSIONS Dual conditions of felt stigma and depressive symptoms may be more strongly associated with social anxiety, being unmarried, and being unemployed than depressive symptoms or felt stigma alone in patients with epilepsy.
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Zawadzka M, Anuszkiewicz K, Szmuda M, Błaszczyk W, Knurowska A, Stogowski P, Sokolewicz EM, Waszak P, Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska M. Epilepsy awareness among school-aged students in Poland. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 128:108603. [PMID: 35151191 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy can be a well-controlled condition with only a slight impact on patients' life. Lack of knowledge within society contributes to children with epilepsy experiencing discrimination and hostility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of epilepsy and general views on people struggling with this disease among school-aged children. METHODS The study was conducted on a random sample of Polish school students, in total 472 participants. Participants' knowledge was assessed by a self-completed survey. RESULTS Students are unaware of the wide range of symptoms occurring during seizures. More than half claimed that people experiencing epilepsy should not perform sports activities. Alarmingly, 30% of participants believe that those patients should not leave the house and they should be excluded from many jobs. Almost all participants would help a person experiencing seizures and remember proper head protection; shockingly, 20% of children would try to put something in the person's mouth. Older students seem to be better educated on epilepsy, but the percentage of incorrect personal beliefs and myths is similar for each age group. SIGNIFICANCE School-aged students have insufficient knowledge of epilepsy. More emphasis should be put on first aid during seizures and on the spectrum of epilepsy symptoms. Educating society is important for life quality of people experiencing epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Zawadzka
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Karolina Anuszkiewicz
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marta Szmuda
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Weronika Błaszczyk
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Agata Knurowska
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Piotr Stogowski
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ewa Maria Sokolewicz
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Przemysław Waszak
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Psychotic and Geriatric Disorders, Dębinki 7 Street, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
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Wang ZF, Cheng YC, Zhang NH, Luo R, Guo KL, Ge SW, Xu G. Effect of Marital Status on Depression and Mortality among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2014. KIDNEY DISEASES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 7:391-400. [PMID: 34604345 DOI: 10.1159/000515440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between marital status and CKD is rarely studied. We aimed to explore the effect of marital status on the depression and mortality of patients with CKD. METHODS The data sources came from the NHANES database during 2005-2014 and 3,865 participants were included in this study. We used logistic regression models to examine the relationship between marital status and depression of CKD patients. The Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between marital status and mortality of CKD patients. RESULTS In terms of depression in CKD patients, unmarried patients had a worse situation than married patients. Meanwhile, after adjusting the covariables, unmarried patients had increased risk of depression (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.01-1.57) compared with married CKD patients, especially in males (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.02-2.06) and patients with more than college education level (OR = 12.4, 95% CI: 3.75-41.02). There was a significant relationship between marital status and mortality of general CKD patients (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.17-1.58). Moreover, marriage showed a protective effect against death among male patients, patients with school graduate or less and more than college educational level, patients with high income, and patients in different estimated glomerular filtration rate groups. CONCLUSIONS The use of large numbers of participants has revealed the effect of marital status on CKD patients. Unmarried ones had a higher risk of depression than married ones among CKD patients. Meanwhile, the risk of death was higher in unmarried ones than married ones among CKD patients in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zu-Feng Wang
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-Chun Cheng
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nan-Hui Zhang
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ran Luo
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang-Lin Guo
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shu-Wang Ge
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Yang H, Chi Y, Zhu Z, Huang K, Xiang L, Xiao B, Tang W, Feng L. Attitudes Toward Epilepsy Among Parents of Children With Epilepsy in Southern China. Front Neurol 2021; 11:602000. [PMID: 33633657 PMCID: PMC7901895 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.602000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the attitudes toward epilepsy among parents of children with epilepsy (CWE) in China and identify some related factors for future interventions for parents to offer more social support for CWE. Method: The Chinese Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (CPATE) scale was administered to 234 parents of CWE and 203 parents of normal children in Xiangya hospital during 2019–2020. Results: The cumulative score of the parents of CWE (26.427 ± 6.688) was significantly lower than that of the normal children group (32.330 ± 7.234, p < 0.001). Subanalysis showed more positive attitudes among parents of CWE than the control group (p < 0.001) toward education (4.765 ± 1.985 vs. 6.621 ± 2.419), social life (6.556 ± 2.456 vs. 8.010 ± 2.683), marriage (9.586 ± 2.675 vs. 11.025 ± 2.900), and employment (3.876 ± 1.364 vs. 4.5123 ± 1.283). The attitudes toward epilepsy among parents of CWE with seizures in public (27.16 ± 6.66) or during sleep (27.10 ± 6.38) were more negative than those without (25.35 ± 6.62 and 25.08 ± 7.10, respectively) (p < 0.05). In addition, female and low income were negatively related to parents' attitudes toward epilepsy. Conclusions: More active policy guidance and adequate social support should be given to parents of children with seizures in public or during sleep to instruct their children to form a positive perception about epilepsy, which is expected to have a positive impact on their social abilities in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojun Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | | | - Ziqing Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kailing Huang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lan Xiang
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weiting Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Wojewodka G, McKinlay A, Ridsdale L. Best care for older people with epilepsy: A scoping review. Seizure 2021; 85:70-89. [PMID: 33450705 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There are two peaks of diagnosis of epilepsy: in childhood and in people over 65. Older people may have complex needs like co-morbidity, polypharmacy, frailty, and social isolation. This scoping review focusses on the care of older people with epilepsy beyond diagnosis and medical treatment. We sought to identify areas within the UK health service needing development either in clinical practice or through further research. The search returned 4864 papers with 33 papers included in the review. The papers were grouped into psychosocial, self-management and services themes. Only one randomised controlled trial was found. Research was mainly based on cohort and case-control studies. Older people require more information to self-manage epilepsy and more psychological support to help with symptoms of anxiety and depression. People reported experiencing stigma and a reluctance to disclose their condition. This may increase the risk of isolation and difficulties in managing epilepsy. Studies reported that older people are referred less to neurologists, suggesting there may be a gap in care provision compared to younger people. Generalist health professionals may be better placed to provide holistic care, but they may need additional training to alleviate uncertainties in managing epilepsy. Care plans could help provide information, particularly for co-morbidity, but few had one. Our findings highlight psychological and self-management needs for managing epilepsy in older people. Health service staff may require upskilling to shift epilepsy management from neurologists to generalists. More research is needed regarding psychological and self-management interventions, particularly in the form of randomised controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Wojewodka
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, 16 de Crespigny Park, PO Box 57, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Alison McKinlay
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, 16 de Crespigny Park, PO Box 57, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Leone Ridsdale
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, 16 de Crespigny Park, PO Box 57, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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Huber-Mollema Y, Oort FJ, Lindhout D, Rodenburg R. Well-being of mothers with epilepsy with school-aged children. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 105:106966. [PMID: 32146338 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to examine different aspects of well-being in mothers with epilepsy with school-aged children. METHODS In an observational study, mothers, identified from the European Registry of Antiepileptic Drugs and Pregnancy database in the Netherlands, completed questions on epilepsy, the impact of epilepsy on daily functioning, quality of life, behavioral problems, and parenting stress. Descriptive analyses were performed to examine the prevalence of behavioral problems and the impact of epilepsy on different aspects of the mother's daily functioning and family life. We subsequently investigated which factors contributed most to the impact of maternal epilepsy using regression analyses. RESULTS One hundred fifty-six (46%) of the 342 invited mothers with epilepsy participated. The majority (89%) had low epilepsy severity, with well-controlled seizures. Internalizing problems within the borderline or clinical range were reported by 23% of the mothers. Behavioral problems were significantly correlated with epilepsy severity (r = 0.26, p = .002), impact of epilepsy on daily functioning (r = 0.32, p < .001), and quality of life (r = -0.52, p < 01). Quality of life was in general good (mean = 8, standard deviation [SD] = 1), with low impact of epilepsy. Epilepsy affected mostly maternal self-confidence, work, and general health. Mothers indicated to experience no to little impact of epilepsy on the relationship with their children, partner, or family. Regression analyses showed that epilepsy severity (1.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4 to 1.6; p = .002) and quality of life (-1.3, CI: -2.3 to -0.4; p = .007) were significant contributors to the impact of epilepsy on daily functioning, while other factors (maternal education, family type, behavioral problems, and parenting stress) were nonsignificant. DISCUSSION The current study shows that mothers with epilepsy generally fared well. Epilepsy negatively impacted the lives of some mothers, though. As maternal well-being is of importance for mother-child interaction and child development, clinicians should be aware of the impact of epilepsy on maternal psychosocial outcomes and family life of women with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yfke Huber-Mollema
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, the Netherlands; Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frans J Oort
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dick Lindhout
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, the Netherlands; Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Roos Rodenburg
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, the Netherlands; Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. H.-
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Yang K, He Y, Xiao B, Wang J, Feng L. Knowledge, attitudes and practice towards epilepsy among medical staff in Southern China: Does the level of hospitals make a difference? Seizure 2019; 69:221-227. [PMID: 31112828 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) toward epilepsy among medical staff from different levels of hospitals in Southern China. METHOD An adapted and structured questionnaire was administered to medical personnel from tertiary (n = 451) and basic-level (n = 448) hospitals in Southern China. The questionnaire comprised of three domains which consisted of 6 items for awareness, 12 items for knowledge and a 14 item scale for attitudes. RESULTS Almost 40% of medical staff in basic-level hospitals held that epilepsy could be caused by evil spirits/eyes, or transmitted from other patients, which was almost 6 times higher than that of tertiary hospitals. The mean score from general knowledge about epilepsy was higher among medical staff in tertiary hospitals than in basic-level hospitals. The mean scores in the general and personal domain of the Chinese Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (CPATE) scale were both significantly lower among medical staff in tertiary hospitals, when compared to those of basic-level hospitals. CONCLUSIONS The overall KAP from medical staff in response to seizures, was found to be better in tertiary hospitals than those of basic-level hospitals in Southern China, which was associated with the education level and impact of traditional culture. To date, there is a need for effective public intervention programs in China to improve the awareness of epilepsy and reduce discrimination among medical workers, especially for those working in basic-level hospitals in rural regions, to finally promote a better living environment for patients with epilepsy in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yue He
- Department of Medical Record and Information, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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12
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Deli A, Kinariwalla N, Calvello C, Capelli V, Neale M, Henderson R, Tristram M, Sen A. An evaluation of the psychosocial impact of epilepsy on marriage in the United Kingdom. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 94:204-208. [PMID: 30974348 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to measure the psychosocial burden for persons with epilepsy (PWEs) and for their spouses and to compare and correlate this with the clinical burden of seizures. A secondary objective was to examine the presence of gender-specific differences in the perception of psychosocial burdens by both PWE and their spouses, as well as in the factors that may influence this perception. We also sought to delineate differences in perceived stigmatization if the onset of epilepsy was within matrimony or if seizure onset was prior to marriage. METHODS A questionnaire was constructed from previously validated instruments to measure stigma and was administered to 50 PWE-spouse pairs. A copy was applied to the PWE, and another was administered separately to the spouse. The medical notes were scrutinized by a Consultant Neurologist to enable an assessment of seizure severity for each type of seizure that the PWE experienced. Pearson correlation significance was examined at 95% level of significance. RESULTS Higher seizure severity over the month prior to data collection correlated with smaller reporting differences in psychosocial outcome between spouses and the PWE (p = 0.005), an effect that maintained significance when the period over which seizure severity was evaluated was extended to one year (p = 0.021). Regarding gender-specific differences, low mood over the month prior to administration of the questionnaire was associated with worse psychosocial scores in females only (p = 0.001). Significant impairment in driving was correlated with worse outcomes in males only (p = 0.008). Male spouses' judgment on the 'overall health' of their wife correlated to seizure severity (p = 0.003). However, the psychosocial scores reported by male spouses were inversely correlated to those of the PWE (p = 0.042). Finally, in PWE with seizure onset within marriage, a high degree of perceived stigmatization (p = 0.025) and low mood (p = 0.004) was correlated to worse psychosocial functioning. This group also tended to be more anxious when the PWE was experiencing severe seizures (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION Although severe seizures in this sample of couples were correlated with a smaller discrepancy in perceived seizure burden, gender-specific differences in perception of epilepsy-related psychosocial burden exist. This is true for both PWE and their spouses. Irrespective of gender, onset of epilepsy within matrimony was correlated with higher levels of anxiety and stigma. These factors need to be considered during efforts to reduce epilepsy-related stigmatization, as well as in tailoring therapies that aim to support the spouse as well as the PWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alceste Deli
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK; Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Neha Kinariwalla
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK; Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA
| | - Carmen Calvello
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK; Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli studi di Perugia, Ospedale S. Maria della Misericordia, 06156 Perugia, Italy
| | - Valentina Capelli
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Marcus Neale
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Russett Henderson
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Maggie Tristram
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Arjune Sen
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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13
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Hamamcı M, Hacimusalar Y, Karaaslan O, İnan LE. Evaluation of sleep quality in spouses of people with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 94:233-238. [PMID: 30978635 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the spouses of people with epilepsy with and without a history of seizures during sleep in terms of depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. METHODS AND MATERIALS This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in three groups of 18-55 year olds, who were at least primary school graduates. The 1st group consisted of healthy spouses of 30 healthy volunteers with age and sex matched with the other groups. The 2nd group comprised spouses of 30 people with epilepsy who had been married for at least one year and had no history of seizures during sleep. The 3rd group consisted of spouses of 30 people with epilepsy who had been married for at least one year and had a history of at least one seizure during sleep in the course of the previous year. The questionnaire including demographic data, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was applied to all participants. RESULTS The mean age of the 1st group was 35.07 ± 8.33 years, that of the 2nd group was 36.47 ± 7.63 years, and that of the 3rd group was 35.33 ± 6.05 years. There was no significant age difference between the groups (p = 0.740). The depression scores of the 2nd and the 3rd groups were significantly higher than that of the 1st group (p < 0.001, for both). The anxiety scores of the 3rd group were significantly higher than those of the 1st and the 2nd groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Thirty percent (n = 9) of the 1st group, 40% (n = 12) of the 2nd group, and 70% (n = 21) of the 3rd group had poor sleep quality. The sleep disorder rate in the 3rd group was significantly higher than in the 1st and the 2nd groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0.020, respectively). When the PSQI subscales were examined, the sleep quality, sleep latency, usual sleep efficiency, daytime dysfunction, and the total sleep total score were significantly higher in the 3rd group than the 1st and the 2nd groups. The patients in the third group had significantly higher scores of sleep duration, sleep disturbance, and sleep medication use than those in the 1st group. CONCLUSION We found out that the PSQI score, which reflected the sleep quality, was poor in the spouses of people with epilepsy, who had seizures during sleep. To the best of our knowledge, these findings are the first in the literature on this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Hamamcı
- Department of Neurology, Bozok University, Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat, Turkey.
| | - Yunus Hacimusalar
- Department of Psychiatry, Bozok University, Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Ozgul Karaaslan
- Department of Psychiatry, Bozok University, Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat, Turkey
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14
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Management of epilepsy in women. Lancet Neurol 2019; 18:481-491. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(18)30495-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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15
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Xu Y, Neuen DR, Glozier N, Nikpour A, Somerville E, Bleasel A, Ireland C, Anderson CS, Hackett ML. Disability patterns over the first year after a diagnosis of epilepsy. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2019; 179:60-65. [PMID: 30849696 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2019.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, 83-117 Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Edward Ford Building (A27) Fisher Road, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Dennis R Neuen
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, 83-117 Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; Wagga Wagga Rural Clinical School, School of Medicine Sydney, University of Notre Dame Australia, 40 Hardy Avenue, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia.
| | - Nick Glozier
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett St, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
| | - Armin Nikpour
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Edward Ford Building (A27) Fisher Road, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Neurology Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Area Health District, 50 Missenden Rd, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
| | - Ernest Somerville
- Neurology Department, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Barker St, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia.
| | - Andrew Bleasel
- Neurology Department, Westmead Hospital, Cnr Hawkesbury Road and Darcy Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
| | - Carol Ireland
- Epilepsy Action Australia, PO Box 879, Epping, NSW 1710, Australia.
| | - Craig S Anderson
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, 83-117 Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Edward Ford Building (A27) Fisher Road, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Neurology Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Area Health District, 50 Missenden Rd, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; The George Institute China at Peking University Health Science Center, Level 18, Tower B, Horizon Tower, No. 6 Zhichun Rd, Haidian District, Beijing 100088, PR China.
| | - Maree L Hackett
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, 83-117 Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Edward Ford Building (A27) Fisher Road, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK.
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Singh G, K Ganguly K, Banerji M, Addlakha R, Shah U, Tripathi M, Saxena V, Vohra H, Wakankar Y, Sharma M, Radhakrishnan K. Marriage in people with epilepsy: A compelling theme for psycho-behavioral research. Seizure 2018; 62:127-130. [PMID: 30122424 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
People with epilepsy frequently experience problems in marriage including reduced marital prospects, poor marital outcomes and diminished quality of married life. Conversely, marriage might impact epilepsy self-management and quality of life in people with epilepsy. There is little in published literature on marriage and epilepsy, so there is a need for psycho-behavioral research. Here, we focus on arranged marriages which, although now rare in western cultures, are widely prevalent in South Asian communities. Arranged marriages, in which families rather than individuals choose marital partners, are particularly problematic because epilepsy is frequently hidden during marital negotiations as well as later. From the psycho-behavioral perspective, marital prospects, outcomes and satisfaction should be examined in relation to the type of marriage (arranged vs. love) and whether or not epilepsy is hidden. Additionally, culturally-relevant tools to appraise marital quality and epilepsy self-management within marriage should be developed. The main objective should be to develop a multi-sectorial action plan with interventions at several different levels involving different stakeholders to mitigate stigma associated with epilepsy in matrimony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Neurology, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India; Department of Clinical & Experimental Epilepsy, UCL-Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Kalyan K Ganguly
- Socio-Behavioral Research Unit, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Manjistha Banerji
- School of Educational Studies, Ambedkar University, New Delhi, India
| | - Renu Addlakha
- Centre for Women's Development Studies, New Delhi, India
| | - Urvashi Shah
- Department of Neurology, KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Manjari Tripathi
- Department of Neurology, Neurosciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Hitant Vohra
- Department of Anatomy, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | | | - Meenakshi Sharma
- Non-communicable Research Division, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Kurupath Radhakrishnan
- Department of Neurology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin, 682041, Kerala, India.
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Singh G, Selai C, Islam S, Chaudhary P, Sander JW. Marriage in epilepsy: The impact of the question in knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 85:164-172. [PMID: 29957343 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) questionnaire-based surveys have captured negative attitudes towards marriage involving people with epilepsy (PWE). The attitudes may vary according to the nature of the question posed, whether personal or generic, in addition to many other covariates. METHODS We carried out meta-proportion and -regression analyses of epilepsy-related KAP surveys published between 1970 and 2016 in the medical literature analysis retrieval system online (MEDLINE) database. RESULTS The pooled estimate of the proportion of those responding positively to the marriage question was 0.45 (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.35 to 0.54; I2res = 99.89%). The pooled proportion of positive responders to a personal question (0.40; 95%CI: 0.35 to 0.46) was significantly lower than those responding positively to a generic question (0.64; 95%CI: 0.57 to 0.70) (P = 0.001). When modeled individually in regression analyses, only the continent of origin of the survey (P = 0.001; tau2: 0.06; I2res: 99.8%; adjusted R2: 11.4%) and subject population type (P = 0.02; tau2: 0.07; I2res: 99.9%; adjusted R2: 4.2%) were associated with the pooled estimate of positive responders to the question on marriage. CONCLUSIONS Personal questions probing the possibility of marriage of self or family members to someone with epilepsy bring about negative attitudes more often than generic questions inquiring the marriage-worthiness of PWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Neurology, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Caroline Selai
- Education Unit, NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Saiful Islam
- Education Unit, NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | | | - Josemir W Sander
- NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks SL9 0RJ, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Achterweg 5, Heemstede 2103SW, Netherlands.
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Kolahi AA, Ghorbanpur-Valukolaei M, Abbasi-Kangevari M, Farsar AR. Knowledge, attitudes, and first-aid measures about epilepsy among primary school teachers in northern Iran. Acta Neurol Scand 2018. [PMID: 29527671 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess knowledge, attitudes, and first-aid measures about epilepsy among primary school teachers. METHOD This cross-sectional study was conducted with participation of 342 primary school teachers during September 2016 to January 2017 in cities of Babol and Qaem-Shahr in Mazandaran Province in northern Iran. Primary schools were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire. The knowledge section included general knowledge, causes, symptoms, seizure triggers, first-aid measures, and recommended treatments. The Likert scale was used for the attitudes section. Answers about first-aid measures were categorized as helpful or harmful. RESULTS The level of total knowledge score of 25 (7.7%) teachers was very high, 140 (43.3%) high, 141 (43.8%) moderate, and 17 (5.2%) low. The mean score about general knowledge was as follows: 6.1 (1.9), range = 0-9; causes 6.3 (1.9), range = 0-10; symptoms of seizures 8.5 (2.5), range = 0-12; and first-aid measures 6.8 (2.0), range = 0-11. Some 83% knew not taking anticonvulsants regularly could trigger seizures, and all teachers said a person with epilepsy should go see a physician. Attitudes were generally positive except for marriage and having children. The level of first-aid measures score of 8 (7.2) teachers was very high, 79 (70.5) high, 25 (22.3) low. Teachers with teaching experience at special schools took more helpful measures CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of teachers about epilepsy was insufficient, attitudes toward people with epilepsy were generally positive, and first-aid measures at the last witnessed seizure were fairly helpful. Having teaching experience in special schools had a positive influence over knowledge and taking appropriate first-aid measure at time of the last witnessed seizure.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.-A. Kolahi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - M. Ghorbanpur-Valukolaei
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - M. Abbasi-Kangevari
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
- Student Research Committee; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - A.-R. Farsar
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
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