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Ngamaba KH, Lombo LS, Makopa IK, Webber M, Liuta JM, Madinga JN, Mampunza SMM, Heap C. Mental health outcomes, literacy and service provision in low- and middle-income settings: a systematic review of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. NPJ MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 3:9. [PMID: 38609473 PMCID: PMC10956021 DOI: 10.1038/s44184-023-00051-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the prevalence of mental health issues could be greater than in other low-income and middle-income countries because of major risk factors related to armed conflicts and poverty. Given that mental health is an essential component of health, it is surprising that no systematic evaluation of mental health in the DRC has yet been undertaken. This study aims to undertake the first systematic review of mental health literacy and service provision in the DRC, to bridge this gap and inform those who need to develop an evidence base. This could support policymakers in tackling the issues related to limited mental health systems and service provision in DRC. Following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines, a systematic (Web of Science, Medline, Public Health, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) search was conducted (January 2000 and August 2023). Combinations of key blocks of terms were used in the search such as DRC, war zone, mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, sexual violence, war trauma, resilience, mental health systems and service provision. We followed additional sources from reference lists of included studies. Screening was completed in two stages: title and abstract search, and full-text screening for relevance and quality. Overall, 50 studies were included in the review; the majority of studies (n = 31) were conducted in the Eastern region of the DRC, a region devastated by war and sexual violence. Different instruments were used to measure participants' mental health such as the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25), The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS). Our study found that wartime sexual violence and extreme poverty are highly traumatic, and cause multiple, long-term mental health difficulties. We found that depression, anxiety, and PTSD were the most common problems in the DRC. Psychosocial interventions such as group therapy, family support, and socio-economic support were effective in reducing anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. This systematic review calls attention to the need to support sexual violence survivors and many other Congolese people affected by traumatic events. This review also highlights the need for validating culturally appropriate measures, and the need for well-designed controlled intervention studies in low-income settings such as the DRC. Better public mental health systems and service provision could help to improve community cohesion, human resilience, and mental wellbeing. There is also an urgent need to address wider social issues such as poverty, stigma, and gender inequality in the DRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayonda Hubert Ngamaba
- International Centre for Mental Health Social Research, Social Policy and Social Work, School for Business and Society, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Laddy Sedzo Lombo
- Centre Spécialisé dans la Prise en charge Psychosociale en Santé Mentale (CSPEMRDC), Université Chrétienne de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Israël Kenda Makopa
- Neuropsychiatre et Addictologue Centre Spécialisé dans la Prise en charge Psychosociale en Santé Mentale (CSPEMRDC), Université Chrétienne de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Martin Webber
- International Centre for Mental Health Social Research, Social Policy and Social Work, School for Business and Society, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Jack M Liuta
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Joule Ntwan Madinga
- WHO Country Office DRC & Medical Parasitology and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kikwit, Kikwit, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Samuel Ma Miezi Mampunza
- Faculte de Medicine University of Kinshasa & Université Protestante au Congo (UPC), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Cheyann Heap
- International Centre for Mental Health Social Research, Social Policy and Social Work, School for Business and Society, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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Magili PF, Kakoko DC, Bhwana D, Akyoo WO, Amaral LJ, Massawe IS, Colebunders R, Mmbando BP. Accessibility to formal education among persons with epilepsy in Mahenge, Tanzania. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 148:109445. [PMID: 37778222 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109445] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is estimated to affect 50 million people globally, with 80% living in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Children with epilepsy (CWE) in SSA are often socially isolated, and many do not get access to school. This study aimed to explore the barriers hindering accessibility to formal education among CWE in Mahenge, Tanzania. METHODS The study was conducted in June 2022 in four villages (Mdindo, Msogezi, Mzelezi and Sali) using quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative included 203 persons with epilepsy (PWE), while the qualitative involved six focus group discussions and 17 in-depth interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using Stata and Nvivo software, respectively. RESULTS Of the 203 PWE, 62 (30.5%) had never enrolled in school, while 77 (54.6%) of those enrolled dropped-out before completing it. The perceived barriers to accessing education were categorized as individual barriers (such as frequent seizures, learning difficulties, anti-seizure medication side effects and perceived stigma), Community barriers (such as stigma and discrimination, negative beliefs and misconceptions, relocation to farms and poor socio-economic status), and Institutional barriers (including lack of knowledge about epilepsy among stake-holders, topography and distance to schools). CONCLUSION There is a high rate of dropouts and non-enrolment of CWE in schools within the Mahenge area. Negative beliefs and low awareness of the community about epilepsy and formal education contribute to this issue. This calls for more advocacy to raise community awareness on epilepsy. The government should enforce an inclusive education policy and provide free and uninterrupted anti-seizure medication for seizure control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pendo F Magili
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, Tanga, Tanzania.
| | - Deodatus C Kakoko
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Dan Bhwana
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, Tanga, Tanzania.
| | - Winfrida O Akyoo
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | | | - Isolide S Massawe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, Tanga, Tanzania.
| | | | - Bruno P Mmbando
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, Tanga, Tanzania.
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Baariu JK, Kariuki SM, Newton CR. Behavioural and emotional comorbidities in school-aged children with neurological conditions in Kilifi, Kenya, and their long-term consequences. Glob Health Action 2022; 15:2034132. [PMID: 35138235 PMCID: PMC8843098 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2022.2034132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neurological conditions and mental health problems are common in children in low- and middle-income countries, but the risk factors and downstream impact of these problems on children with neurological conditions are not reported. Objective To determine the association of neurological conditions with behavioural and emotional problems in children, the prevalence and risk factors of behavioural and emotional problems, and long-term impact of these conditions. Methods Data on multiple neurological conditions and mental health problems were available for 1,616 children (aged 6–9 years) from Kilifi, Kenya. Neurological conditions were diagnosed using standardised tools and clinical examination. Behavioural and emotional problems assessed using Child Behaviour Questionnaire for Parents. Long-term outcomes were obtained from census data of the Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance System. Logistic and linear regression were used to measure associations. Results Mental health problems were higher in those with any neurological condition compared to those without (24% vs. 12%, p < 0.001). Cognitive (odds ratio (OR) = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.59–3.59), motor (OR = 3.17; 95% CI: 1.72–5.82), hearing (OR = 2.07; 95% CI:1.12–3.83) impairments, and epilepsy (OR = 4.18; 95% CI: 2.69–6.48), were associated with mental health problems. Prevalence of any mental health problem was 15%, with externalizing problems more common than internalizing problems (21% vs. 17%, p = 0.004). Longitudinal follow-up indicated that the disorders affected an individual’s future schooling (e.g. OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 0.14–1.46 following cognitive impairments), occupation (OR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.09–5.44 following mental health problems), and access to household assets (OR = 2.78; 95% CI: 0.99–7.85 following epilepsy). Conclusions Neurological conditions in school-aged children in Kilifi are associated with mental health problems, and both disorders have long-term consequences. Preventive and therapeutic measures for these conditions are needed to improve outcomes of these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy K Baariu
- Clinical Research-Neurosciences Department, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (Cgmrc), Kilifi, Kenya.,Department of Public Health, School of Human and Health Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Symon M Kariuki
- Clinical Research-Neurosciences Department, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (Cgmrc), Kilifi, Kenya.,Department of Public Health, School of Human and Health Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Charles Rjc Newton
- Clinical Research-Neurosciences Department, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (Cgmrc), Kilifi, Kenya.,Department of Public Health, School of Human and Health Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Josias KS, Bangirana P, Rujumba J, Kakooza-Mwesige A. Prevalence and factors associated with behavioural problems in children with epilepsy attending Mulago hospital, Uganda: A cross-sectional study. Seizure 2021; 88:109-115. [PMID: 33848789 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the prevalence of behavioural problems and the associated factors in children with epilepsy (CWE). METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, from December 2019 to May 2020. A total of 300 CWE aged 6 to 17 years were consecutively enrolled and assessed for behavioural problems using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. We obtained data on the associated factors by using pretested structured questionnaires, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Kilifi Stigma Scale of Epilepsy, the Morisky medication adherence scale and the Tumaini Child Health Screener for childhood disabilities. Simple logistic regression and multivariate analysis was done to determine the associated factors while adjusting for the presence of neurodevelopmental disorders and childhood disabilities. RESULTS Behavioural problems were detected in 108/300 CWE (36%) with more internalizing (28%) than externalizing (21%) behaviour scores noted. The odds of behavioural problems increased with the presence of co-morbid neurodevelopmental disorders or childhood disabilities (cOR: 5.42, p-value < 0.001). Factors associated with occurrence of behavioural problems were high stigma perception (aOR: 4.06, p-value < 0.001) and being seizure-free in the last six months (aOR: 3.43, p-value =0.031) while being an adolescent (aOR: 0.33, p=0.001) lessened the risk. CONCLUSIONS Behavioural problems occur in more than a third of CWE. They are more in the internalizing domain than in the externalizing domain. Their odds increase with high perceived stigma and in the first six months of seizure control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasereka Songya Josias
- Paediatric Resident, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda..
| | - Paul Bangirana
- Senior lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda..
| | - Joseph Rujumba
- Senior lecturer, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda..
| | - Angelina Kakooza-Mwesige
- Senior lecturer, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda..
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Albaradie R, Habibullah H, Mir A, Alshammari AK, Alajmi MS, Alsubaie FA, Alsudairi RR, Bashir S. The prevalence of seizures in children with developmental delay. NEUROSCIENCES (RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA) 2021; 26:186-191. [PMID: 33814372 PMCID: PMC8024126 DOI: 10.17712/nsj.2021.2.20200106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To study the prevalence of seizures in children with GDD and identify the characteristics of such patients; to examine the association of GDD with epilepsy and to determine the effect of certain risk factors on this association. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at the pediatric neurology and developmental assessment clinic at King Fahad specialist hospital (KFSH), Saudi Arabia. All data were collected by reviewing the electronic medical records of 200 pediatric patients who presented with global developmental delay from February 2016 to April 2018. Results: The sample includes 200 children (113 males, 87 females) aged zero to 12 years. The largest group of participants came from the Dammam region, representing 27.5% of the sample. The prevalence of epilepsy in GDD patients was 56%; the epilepsy and non-epilepsy groups differed significantly in age. The most common type of seizure was generalized onset motor, which were observed in 37.5% of the sample. Problems during labor occurred in 15% of the sample; consanguineous marriage occurred in 61.6% of the participants. Neither of these factors differed significantly in the epilepsy and non-epilepsy groups. Advanced paternal age did differ significantly in the two groups (p=0.003). Conclusion: The prevalence of epilepsy is high in children with GDD, and of the factors studied here, the most significant variables affecting this correlation are the type of seizure and advanced paternal age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raidah Albaradie
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafiz Habibullah
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Mir
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa K Alshammari
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Modhi S Alajmi
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatima A Alsubaie
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem R Alsudairi
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahid Bashir
- From the Department of Pediatric neurology (Albaradie, Habibullah, Mir), Neuroscience Center (Bashir), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, from the College of Medicine (Alshammari, Alajmi, Alsubaie, Alsudairi), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Nilsen FM, Ruiz JD, Tulve NS. A Meta-Analysis of Stressors from the Total Environment Associated with Children's General Cognitive Ability. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155451. [PMID: 32751096 PMCID: PMC7432904 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
General cognitive ability, often referred to as ‘general intelligence’, comprises a variety of correlated abilities. Childhood general cognitive ability is a well-studied area of research and can be used to predict social outcomes and perceived success. Early life stage (e.g., prenatal, postnatal, toddler) exposures to stressors (i.e., chemical and non-chemical stressors from the total (built, natural, social) environment) can impact the development of childhood cognitive ability. Building from our systematic scoping review (Ruiz et al., 2016), we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate more than 100 stressors related to cognitive development. Our meta-analysis identified 23 stressors with a significant increase in their likelihood to influence childhood cognitive ability by 10% or more, and 80 stressors were observed to have a statistically significant effect on cognitive ability. Stressors most impactful to cognition during the prenatal period were related to maternal health and the mother’s ability to access information relevant to a healthy pregnancy (e.g., diet, lifestyle). Stressors most impactful to cognition during the early childhood period were dietary nutrients (infancy), quality of social interaction (toddler), and exposure to toxic substances (throughout early childhood). In conducting this analysis, we examined the relative impact of real-world exposures on cognitive development to attempt to understand the inter-relationships between exposures to both chemical and non-chemical stressors and early developmental life stages. Our findings suggest that the stressors observed to be the most influential to childhood cognitive ability are not permanent and can be broadly categorized as activities/behaviors which can be modified to improve childhood cognition. This meta-analysis supports the idea that there are complex relationships between a child’s total environment and early cognitive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances M. Nilsen
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA; (J.D.C.R.); (N.S.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-919-541-2574
| | - Jazmin D.C. Ruiz
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA; (J.D.C.R.); (N.S.T.)
- Honeywell International, Buffalo, NY 14210, USA
| | - Nicolle S. Tulve
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA; (J.D.C.R.); (N.S.T.)
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Fitts W, Rahamatou NT, Abass CF, Vogel AC, Ghislain AH, Sakadi F, Hongxiang Q, Conde ML, Baldé AT, Hamani ABD, Bah AK, Anand P, Patenaude B, Mateen FJ. School status and its associations among children with epilepsy in the Republic of Guinea. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 97:275-281. [PMID: 31260925 PMCID: PMC6702082 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low-income countries (LICs), there are multiple barriers for children with epilepsy (CWE) to attend school. We examined potentially modifiable associations with poor school performance in CWE in the West African Republic of Guinea. METHODS Children with epilepsy of school age were recruited using public announcements and a clinical register of people with epilepsy at the Ignace Deen Hospital in Conakry in 2018. A team of Guinean and U.S. neurologists and neurologists-in-training interviewed each CWE and parent for his/her epilepsy history, household finances, educational attainment level, and perceived stigma using the Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (SSE). Each child was also tested using the Wechsler Nonverbal Scale of Ability (WNV). Low school performance was defined as either not attending school or being held back a grade level at least once. Potential predictors of low school performance were analyzed. FINDINGS Of 128 CWE (mean age: 11.6 years, 48.4% female), 11.7% (n = 15) never attended school, 23.3% (n = 30) dropped out, and 64.8% (n = 83) were currently enrolled. Of CWE attending school, 46.9% (n = 39) were held back a grade level. Overall, 54 children were defined as low performers (LPs) (42%). ;Greater than 100 lifetime seizures (odds ratio (OR) = 8.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.51, 37.4; p = 0.001) and lower total WNV score (OR = 0.954; 95% CI = 0.926, 0.977; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with poor school performance in separate models, when controlling for potential confounders. Given the strong relationship between seizure freedom and school performance, we estimated that 38 additional CWE (33.6%) could become high performers (HPs) if all CWE were adequately treated to achieve the lifetime seizure category of <10 seizures and could be cognitively intact again. Models examining SSE and household wealth quintile were not significantly associated with school performance. CONCLUSIONS Higher lifetime seizures and lower WNV score were significantly associated with low school performance in CWE in Guinea. In spite of our conservative definition of high school performance (attending without failing) and risk of referral bias at an academic center where patients were allowed to self-refer, we demonstrate that seizure control in this setting could increase the number of CWE who could attend and stay in school.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andre C Vogel
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Foksouna Sakadi
- Ignace Deen Hospital, Department of Neurology, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Qiu Hongxiang
- University of Washington, Department of Biostatistics, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Pria Anand
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bryan Patenaude
- Johns Hopkins, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Farrah J Mateen
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, USA.
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Matonda-Ma-Nzuzi T, Mampunza Ma Miezi S, Charlier-Mikolajczak D, Mvumbi DM, Malendakana F, Ntsambi GE, Mayemba JN, Mpaka DM, Mpembi MN, Lelo GM. Therapeutic itinerary of children living with epilepsy in Kinshasa: Features, determinants, and relationships with behavioral problems and cognitive impairment. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 90:209-216. [PMID: 30581077 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy mostly affects children in sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about the therapeutic itinerary of these children living with epilepsy (CWE). This study aimed to describe the therapeutic itinerary of CWE in Kinshasa and to analyze its relationships with clinical features, behavioral problems, and cognitive impairment. METHODS This hospital-based study has included 104 CWE aged 6 to 17 years. The features of their therapeutic itinerary and their relationship with clinical features, behavioral problems, and cognitive impairment were analyzed. RESULTS The vast majority of CWE (87%) has started their therapeutic itinerary by the Western medicine. The first source of information about epilepsy as well as the type of antiepileptic treatment varied with the socioeconomic status of families of CWE. The total duration of the therapeutic itinerary was shorter for the CWE who were living with both their parents (P = .038), who had generalized seizures (P = .0073) or who had no family history of epileptic seizures (P = .019). The CWE who had total behavioral problem, compared with the others, were putting more time (P = .021) to reach the Centre de Santé Mentale Telema (CSMT) after the suspicion or the diagnostic of epilepsy. The total duration of CWE who had cognitive impairment (P = .021) was longer than that of CWE who had not cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION The therapeutic itinerary of CWE in Kinshasa began with Western medicine. The remainder of this therapeutic itinerary looks like what is described in sub-Saharan literature with the majority of CWE seeking the healing based on beliefs. This study also shows that the therapeutic itinerary of CWE was associated with socioeconomic conditions, clinical features, behavioral problems, and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Matonda-Ma-Nzuzi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
| | - Samuel Mampunza Ma Miezi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Diane Muanza Mvumbi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Fanny Malendakana
- Service of Pediatrics, Far East Rand Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Glennie Eba Ntsambi
- Unity of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Junior Nsundi Mayemba
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Davin Mbeya Mpaka
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Magloire Nkosi Mpembi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Gilbert Mananga Lelo
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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