1
|
Verma A, Pathak P, Mishra AK, Upadhya S. Factors linked with perceived stigma amid people with Epilepsy -across sectional study. Epilepsy Res 2024; 205:107428. [PMID: 39116512 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES People with epilepsy (PWE) continue to suffer from discrimination and often bear the negative attitudes surrounding this condition. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of perceived stigma and factors associated with it among PWE in tertiary care centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using the Kilifi Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (KSSE) to assess the stigma associated with epilepsy and factors related to stigma. RESULTS A total of 260 consecutive PWE were recruited, with a mean age of 28.12±9.96 years. The majority of subjects had primarily or secondarily generalized seizures (85 %), and most of PWE don't know the cause of epilepsy (79.2 %) and feel that epilepsy is a contagious disease. Those with contagious beliefs felt more stigma (27.7 %). Stigma was perceived by 28.5 % of subjects using KSSE. Stigma was more perceived in those who had primarily or secondarily generalized seizures (23.9 %) and longer durations of anti-seizure medication (ASM) (24.4 %). Injury during a seizure was reported in 30 % of subjects and were more stigmatized (p<.01). CONCLUSION Perceived stigma in PWE was found to be correlated with contagious beliefs. There is a need for awareness and educational programs by healthcare professionals at different levels to support and encourage positive beliefs, dispel myths about epilepsy, and inform PWEs of the fact that it is not a contagious disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Archana Verma
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raebareli, Munshiganj, Munshiganj, Dalmau Road, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh 229405, India.
| | - Pooja Pathak
- Department of community Medicine, MVASMC Ghazipur (U.P.), India.
| | - Ashutosh Kumar Mishra
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raebareli, Munshiganj, Munshiganj, Dalmau Road, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh 229405, India.
| | - Sachin Upadhya
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raebareli, Munshiganj, Munshiganj, Dalmau Road, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh 229405, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Erkal E, Kiyak E, Uren Y, Milanlioglu A. Determination of stigma and attitude in relatives of patients with epilepsy. Seizure 2024; 121:64-69. [PMID: 39089140 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.07.022] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was conducted to determine stigma and attitudes in the relatives of patients with epilepsy and the factors affecting them. METHODS This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 173 relatives of patients with epilepsy who were admitted to the neurology outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Van Province, eastern Turkey, between April and December 2021. Individual information forms, the Epilepsy Stigma Scale Patient's Relative, and the Epilepsy Attitude Scale were used to collect the data. RESULTS The mean stigma score was 54.58 (standard deviation [SD] = 10.96), and the mean attitude score was 53.05 (SD = 8.14). A negative and significant correlation was found between stigma score and attitude score (r = -0.457, p < 0.001). It was found that stigma and attitude scores differed significantly in terms of education, hiding epilepsy, and the idea that epilepsy is related to spiritual thoughts (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION As a result of this study, it was found that the relatives of patients with epilepsy were generally moderately stigmatized (64.8 %) and had moderate attitudes toward epilepsy. As the stigma increased in the participants, it was determined that they showed more negative attitudes toward epilepsy. The results indicated that relatives of patients with epilepsy who had one or more seizures per month experienced more stigma, and relatives of patients with epilepsy who did not take their medication regularly exhibited a more negative attitude toward epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emre Erkal
- Health Services Vocational School, Artvin Coruh University, Artvin, Turkey..
| | - Emine Kiyak
- Faculty of Nursing, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Uren
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Turkey
| | - Aysel Milanlioglu
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bröhl T, Rings T, Pukropski J, von Wrede R, Lehnertz K. The time-evolving epileptic brain network: concepts, definitions, accomplishments, perspectives. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 3:1338864. [PMID: 38293249 PMCID: PMC10825060 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2023.1338864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy is now considered a network disease that affects the brain across multiple levels of spatial and temporal scales. The paradigm shift from an epileptic focus-a discrete cortical area from which seizures originate-to a widespread epileptic network-spanning lobes and hemispheres-considerably advanced our understanding of epilepsy and continues to influence both research and clinical treatment of this multi-faceted high-impact neurological disorder. The epileptic network, however, is not static but evolves in time which requires novel approaches for an in-depth characterization. In this review, we discuss conceptual basics of network theory and critically examine state-of-the-art recording techniques and analysis tools used to assess and characterize a time-evolving human epileptic brain network. We give an account on current shortcomings and highlight potential developments towards an improved clinical management of epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timo Bröhl
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Bonn, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Radiation and Nuclear Physics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thorsten Rings
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Bonn, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Radiation and Nuclear Physics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Pukropski
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Bonn, Germany
| | - Randi von Wrede
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Lehnertz
- Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Bonn, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Radiation and Nuclear Physics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Complex Systems, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kuramochi I, Iwayama T, Brandt C, Yoshimasu H, Bien CG, Hagemann A. Assessment of self-stigma in epilepsy: Validation of the German version Epilepsy Self-Stigma Scale (ESSS-G). Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:946-958. [PMID: 37254471 PMCID: PMC10472374 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Self-stigma is the internalization of unfavorable public perceptions, which people with epilepsy (PWE) frequently experience. PWE with strong self-stigma have low self-esteem and are less likely to engage in treatment behavior. The Epilepsy Self-Stigma Scale (ESSS) has been developed and validated in Japan. We translated the ESSS into German for this study to examine its reliability and validity. METHODS We created the German version of ESSS (ESSS-G) based on the original Japanese version. From May to October 2022, we recruited out- and inpatients from Bethel Epilepsy Centre, University Hospital for Epileptology, for psychometric evaluation. Inclusion criteria were an age of ≥18 years, sufficient reading and speaking skills in German, and the ability to comprehend the German questionnaires. Participants also completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), Epilepsy Knowledge Scale, and items on "overall quality of life (QOL)" and "overall health" (items from QOLIE-31). RESULTS One hundred twenty-eight of 146 patients asked to participate granted informed consent and completed the study questionnaire (87.7% response rate). 115 cases were analyzed since 13 did not match the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed a single factor explaining 49.2% of the total variance. All factor loadings were >0.40, and the reliability was high (Cronbach's α = 0.80). Higher ESSS total scores were associated with higher anxiety (GAD-7, r = 0.54, P < 0.001) and depression (NDDI-E, r = 0.45, P < 0.001), lower self-esteem (RSES, r = -0.41, P < 0.001), overall QOL (r = -0.40, P < 0.001), and overall health (r = -0.35, P < 0.001), but not with knowledge about epilepsy (r = 0.03, P = 0.770). In Germany, females, younger individuals, patients with earlier seizure onset, and those with generalized epilepsy had significantly higher self-stigma. SIGNIFICANCE The German version of the ESSS proved reliable and valid. It allows to evaluate the efficacy of treatment strategies in lowering self-stigma and conducting intercultural comparisons of epilepsy self-stigma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Kuramochi
- Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara)Bielefeld University, Medical SchoolBielefeldGermany
- Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical CenterSaitama Medical UniversitySaitamaJapan
| | - Takayuki Iwayama
- Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical CenterSaitama Medical UniversitySaitamaJapan
- Department of PsychologyShowa Women's UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Christian Brandt
- Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara)Bielefeld University, Medical SchoolBielefeldGermany
- Society for Epilepsy ResearchBielefeldGermany
| | - Haruo Yoshimasu
- Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical CenterSaitama Medical UniversitySaitamaJapan
| | - Christian G. Bien
- Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara)Bielefeld University, Medical SchoolBielefeldGermany
- Society for Epilepsy ResearchBielefeldGermany
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Willems LM, Zöllner JP, Hamann L, Knake S, Kovac S, von Podewils F, Rosenow F, Strzelczyk A. Unemployment and early retirement among patients with epilepsy - A study on predictors, resilience factors and occupational reintegration measures. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 144:109255. [PMID: 37209554 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109255] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to identify predictors and resilience factors for unemployment and early retirement in patients with epilepsy of working age based on data from a multicenter German cohort study performed in 2020 (n = 456) by using multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. A second aim was to assess the assumed working ability of patients as well as the use of occupational reintegration measures. The unemployment rate was 8.3%, and 18% of patients had retired early due to epilepsy. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis identified the presence of a relevant disability and frequent seizures as significant predictors of unemployment and early retirement, while seizures in remission were the only resilience factor associated with job retention. Regarding occupational incapacity, at the time of the survey, most of the patients in early retirement or unemployment were fit for work in their original or extended occupational setting. The proportion of patients with recent epilepsy-related occupational retraining (0.4%) or job changes (0.9%) was low, and only 2.4% reported an epilepsy-related reduction in work time. These findings underline the persistent disadvantage of patients with epilepsy in the professional field and the urgent need for effective, comprehensive work reintegration measures that must be made accessible for all patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent M Willems
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Johann Philipp Zöllner
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Laura Hamann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Susanne Knake
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stjepana Kovac
- Epilepsy Center Münster-Osnabrück, Department of Neurology, Institute of Translational Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Felix von Podewils
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Charisius M, Jeschke S, Lange S, Bertsche T, Ballmann M, Neininger MP, Bertsche A. Interviews with children and adolescents with epilepsy or asthma about the situation of their healthy siblings. Acta Paediatr 2023; 112:861-867. [PMID: 36653956 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16675] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
AIM Chronic conditions can influence the situation of healthy siblings of affected children. We investigated the opinion of the affected child about the situation of their healthy sibling and the sibling relationship. METHODS We performed a semi-structured interview with epilepsy or asthma patients aged 6-18 years and asked them to draw a picture: "Epilepsy/Asthma, my siblings and me." RESULTS Of the 58 children with epilepsy, 67%, and of the 40 children with asthma, 60% thought that their siblings were worried about the condition. Among other aspects, they addressed helplessness during a seizure. Of the children with epilepsy, 83% and of those with asthma, 95% assumed that their siblings were not disadvantaged because of the participant's condition. Of the patients with epilepsy, 91% and of those with asthma, 93% thought that the sibling relationship would not be different without the condition. Of the participants with epilepsy, 86% and of those with asthma, 93% drew a picture; 30% with epilepsy and 14% with asthma visualised an interaction with their siblings in context of a seizure or episode of dyspnoea. CONCLUSION According to the affected children, the condition worries their siblings but does not affect the siblings' lives or the sibling relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathilda Charisius
- Department of Neuropaediatrics, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Department of Neuropaediatrics, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sarah Jeschke
- Department of Neuropaediatrics, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Department of Neuropaediatrics, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sarah Lange
- Department of Neuropaediatrics, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Thilo Bertsche
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Manfred Ballmann
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Martina P Neininger
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Astrid Bertsche
- Department of Neuropaediatrics, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Department of Neuropaediatrics, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wadle NE, Schwab C, Seifart C, von Podewils F, Knake S, Willems LM, Menzler K, Schulz J, Conradi N, Rosenow F, Strzelczyk A. Prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study on the provision of information regarding sudden unexpected death in epilepsy to adults with epilepsy. Epilepsia 2023; 64:406-419. [PMID: 36546828 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite increased awareness of the serious epilepsy complication sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), a substantial population of people with epilepsy (PWE) remain poorly informed. Physicians indicate concern that SUDEP information may adversely affect patients' health and quality of life. We examined SUDEP awareness and the immediate and long-term effects of providing SUDEP information to PWE. METHODS Baseline knowledge and behaviors among PWE and behavioral adjustments following the provision of SUDEP information were evaluated in a prospective, multicenter survey using the following validated scales: Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy for depression symptoms, the EuroQoL five-dimension scale for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), a visual analog scale for overall health, the revised Epilepsy Stigma Scale for perceived stigma, and the Seizure Worry Scale for seizure-related worries. The prospective study collected data through semiquantitative interviews before (baseline), immediately after, and 3 months after the provision of SUDEP information. RESULTS In total, 236 participants (mean age = 39.3 years, range = 18-77 years, 51.7% women) were enrolled, and 205 (86.9%) completed long-term, 3-month follow-up. One patient died from SUDEP before follow-up. No worsening symptoms from baseline to 3-month follow-up were observed on any scale. At baseline, 27.5% of participants were aware of SUDEP. More than 85% of participants were satisfied with receiving SUDEP information. Three quarters of participants were not concerned by the information, and >80% of participants recommended the provision of SUDEP information to all PWE. Although most patients reported no behavioral adjustments, 24.8% reported strong behavioral adjustments at 3-month follow-up. SIGNIFICANCE The provision of SUDEP information has no adverse effects on overall health, HRQoL, depressive symptoms, stigma, or seizure worry among PWE, who appreciate receiving information. SUDEP information provision might improve compliance among PWE and reduce but not eliminate the increased mortality risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora-Elena Wadle
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt and Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christina Schwab
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt and Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Carola Seifart
- Institutional Review Board, Medical Faculty, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany
| | - Felix von Podewils
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Susanne Knake
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany
| | - Laurent M Willems
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt and Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katja Menzler
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany
| | - Juliane Schulz
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Nadine Conradi
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt and Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt and Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt and Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany
| |
Collapse
|