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Tokuç FEU, Genç F, Göksu EÖ, Erdal A, Gömceli YB. Marriage and childbearing in patients with epilepsy in Turkey. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1304076. [PMID: 38585357 PMCID: PMC10996395 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1304076] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction For epilepsy, a common neurological disorder, brings psychosocial challenges like stigma, employment difficulties, and barriers to marriage and childbearing. Stigma often stems from misconceptions and societal beliefs, particularly in less developed regions like Turkey. However, research on the marital and childbearing experiences of epilepsy patients in such settings is limited. We aimed to research the marriage and childbearing behaviors of men and women with epilepsy. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 215 adult epilepsy patients at Antalya Training and Research Hospital between 2019 and 2022. Patients were asked questions about marriage and having children on prepared questionnaires. Result The gender distribution of the 215 patients included in the study was revealed to be 62.3% (134) females and 37.7% (81) males. 71.6% of patients were married, and 12.7% had no children. 33.3% of these patients stated that they did not desire children because of the disease. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the duration of the disease and being unmarried. A significant correlation was observed between age at disease onset and number of children. Conclusion Our study revealed the effects of individuals with epilepsy on marriage and childbearing, and as we know, it is the first study conducted in Turkey on childbearing attitudes in individuals with epilepsy. Despite medical and social developments, epilepsy is still one of the most stigmatized diseases, and the disease has considerable negative effects on marriage and fertility. Our study supported the findings of a small number of previous similar studies on this subject and additionally showed that the likelihood of having children decreased in patients using multiple ASM, and on the other hand, it showed that marriage positively affected patients in terms of social support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatma Genç
- Department of Neurology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Eylem Özaydın Göksu
- Department of Neurology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Abidin Erdal
- Department of Neurology, Health Ministry of Türkiye Republic, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
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Ouchida S, Nikpour A, Zhang X, Faulkner H, Senturias M, Reid N, Stephens E, Fairbrother G. The long-term outcomes of patients with negative prolonged ambulatory electroencephalography tests: A cross-sectional follow-up study. HEALTH OPEN RESEARCH 2023; 5:26. [PMID: 38708033 PMCID: PMC11065127 DOI: 10.12688/healthopenres.13351.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Background Ambulatory electroencephalography (AEEG) recording is an essential aid for detecting interictal discharges and providing a clinical diagnosis. This study aimed to describe long-term outcomes among a cohort of patients who yielded negative results on AEEG at the time of assessment and identify factors associated with contemporary quality of life (QOL) and ultimate epilepsy diagnosis. Methods This cross-sectional telephone follow-up study was conducted in June-November 2021 at the Neurology Department in a metropolitan hospital in Sydney, Australia. Results In total, 47 of 105 eligible (45%) participants were enrolled. Overall, 21 (45%) participants had been diagnosed with epilepsy at a 12-year follow-up. Taking anti-seizure medication, having experienced a seizure event, and having marriage and education-related characteristics were associated with an epilepsy diagnosis. QOL was found to be associated with age, employment status and history of experience of a seizure event. QOL and an epilepsy diagnosis were not shown to be statistically related. Conclusions Nearly half of the participants had received an epilepsy diagnosis at long-term follow-up, despite having tested negative on AEEG at the time of assessment. Prolonged AEEG testing is an important tool to aid the diagnostic process. However, clinical examination, including accurate history taking, is vital in establishing an epilepsy diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumika Ouchida
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - Armin Nikpour
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - Howard Faulkner
- Department of Neurology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Maricar Senturias
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - Nicole Reid
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - Eleanor Stephens
- Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, 2145, Australia
| | - Greg Fairbrother
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
- Sydney Reseach, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
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Marital status among patients with epilepsy in Saudi Arabia. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 126:108452. [PMID: 34864382 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
There are no adequate studies on Saudi Arabia regarding the effect of the social environment on marriage among people with epilepsy (PWE). To fill this gap in the literature, we investigated the marital status of PWE to determine the factors affecting their marital prospects. The subjects of the study included PWE aged 18 years or above, recruited between 1998 and 2019 from the Epilepsy Registry of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We collected a wide range of socio-demographic data on age, gender, location, education level, employment status, and marital status. In total, 1857 PWE, comprising 1086 men (58.48%) and 771 women (41.52%), were enrolled in the study. The data analysis showed that those 'married' and those who 'had been married' comprised 46.96% of the sample, while those 'never married' comprised 53.04%; 65.37% of the sample held a 'high school diploma or less' or had 'no education', 26.85% reported ongoing university education or had already obtained a bachelor's or higher degree; 50.08% of the respondents were employed, while 47.98% were not. Of the sample, 40.28% resided in Riyadh, whereas 13.14% were from the Asir region. We found that socio-demographic factors, especially employment status, had a major influence on the marital prospects of PWE.
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Zhao T, Zhong R, Chen Q, Li M, Zhao Q, Lu Y, Li N, Zhang X, Lin W. Sex differences in marital status of people with epilepsy in Northeast China: An observational study. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 113:107571. [PMID: 33242773 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our aims were to determine (1) whether the marriage rate was different between the sexes and (2) whether the influencing factors of marital status varied by sexes. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed among 475 people with epilepsy (PWE) in Northeast China. The demographic information and clinical data were gathered and recorded. Sex differences in the marriage rate of PWE and the related influencing factors were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the independent factors influencing marital status in men and women, respectively. RESULTS Among 475 participants, 219 (79.6%) men with epilepsy (MWE) were married, and 140 (70%) women with epilepsy (WWE) were married. In MWE, age, educational level, age at seizure onset, and disease duration were significantly different between the married men and the single men. In WWE, age, educational level, occupation and age at seizure onset showed significant differences between the married women and the single women. In the multiple logistic regression model, age and age at first seizure onset had an independent effect on the marital status in men with epilepsy. Multiple logistic regression analysis also revealed that age and age at first seizure onset were independent factors that influenced marital status in WWE. CONCLUSION Men with epilepsy were more likely to marry than WWE. Age and the age of seizure onset independently affected the marital status of men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rui Zhong
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Qingling Chen
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingxue Lu
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Weihong Lin
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Li S, Chen J, Abdulaziz ATA, Liu Y, Wang X, Lin M, Qin Y, Liu X, Zhou D. Epilepsy in China: Factors influencing marriage status and fertility. Seizure 2019; 71:179-184. [PMID: 31382137 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2019.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the current status of marriage and fertility of patients with epilepsy (PWE) and characterize its influencing factors. METHODS A total of 1,823 adult patients (males age 22 years or older, females age 20 years or older) were included in this study. Data concerning sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Descriptive analyses, followed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized to examine factors associated with marriage and fertility of PWE. Marital status of PWE was compared with Chinese population. Standardized marriage rate (SMR) for age and sex was estimated based on the 2010 sixth national population census. RESULTS 1,132 patients (62.1%) were married and 823 (45.1%) had a history of fertility. Patients had lower marriage rates than Chinese population (62.1% vs 78.4%). Patients with adult-onset epilepsy (>18 years) had a significantly higher rate of marriage and fertility (p < 0.001) compared to those with childhood-onset epilepsy (≤18 years). Employed patients had higher marriage rates than unemployed patients (64.9% vs 58.6%, p = 0.006), with only male patients being significantly affected by employment status (p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression revealed that age, age at first seizure onset, and employment status were related to both marriage and fertility. CONCLUSION Epilepsy had negative effects on marriage and fertility status. Marriage and fertility rates were lower in patients with Childhood-onset epilepsy (≤18 years). Furthermore, employment status mainly affected the marriage rate of male patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Li
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiani Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Ammar Taha Abdullah Abdulaziz
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yadong Liu
- West China Medical School, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuran Wang
- West China Medical School, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Mintao Lin
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingjie Qin
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Wang FL, Gu XM, Hao BY, Wang S, Chen ZJ, Ding CY. Influence of Marital Status on the Quality of Life of Chinese Adult Patients with Epilepsy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2017; 130:83-87. [PMID: 28051028 PMCID: PMC5221117 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.196572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent seizures and has significant psychological and social consequence for everyday living. Epilepsy affects various aspects of ones’ social life. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of marital status on the quality of life of adult Chinese patients with epilepsy. Methods: This study surveyed 805 Chinese adults who have been clinically diagnosed with epilepsy for longer than 1 year in 11 hospitals in Beijing. In this survey, 532 (66.1%) participants were married. All of them completed the case report form with enquiries on demographic data, social factors, and illness. The marriage status of adult epileptic quality of life was the dependent variable, and demographic data and clinical data were independent variables, analyzed through the multiple linear regression analysis methods. The patients’ quality of life was assessed using the Quality of Life in patients with Epilepsy-31 items (QOLIE-31) questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 items (GAD-7). Results: The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores in the unmarried group (PHQ-9 = 6.0 and GAD-7 = 5.0) were significantly higher than that of the married group (PHQ-9 = 4.0 and GAD-7 =3.0). The scores of married adult patients with epilepsy on QOLIE (61.8 ± 15.3) and social function (70.9 ± 22.7) were higher than the scores of the unmarried patients aged between 20 and 44 years. The scores of married adult epileptics on the QOLIE (58.4 ± 14.6) and the energy/fatigue (62.1 ± 20.4) were higher than the scores of the unmarried patients (QOLIE = 58.4 ± 14.6 and the energy/fatigue = 62.1 ± 20.4) aged between 45 and 59 years. For the adult epilepsy patients, depression, anxiety, seizures within the last year, disease course, medical expense category, and marriage* age are negatively correlated with the quality of life. Occupation, educational level, and average monthly income are closely related to the quality of life. Conclusions: Married adult epileptic patients have better quality of life than that of unmarried adult patients in young and middle-aged age groups. Unmarried adult patients with epilepsy are more anxious and depressed than married adult patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Li Wang
- Department of Hospital Management, First Affiliated Hospital, General Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xiang-Min Gu
- Department of Programmed Immunization, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Tianjin Binhai New Area, Tianjin 300450, China
| | - Bao-Yun Hao
- Department of Programmed Immunization, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Tianjin Binhai New Area, Tianjin 300450, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Epilepsy, First Affiliated Hospital, General Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Ze-Jie Chen
- Department of Epilepsy, First Affiliated Hospital, General Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Cheng-Yun Ding
- Department of Epilepsy, First Affiliated Hospital, General Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100048, China
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Employability in people with epilepsy: A systematic review. Epilepsy Res 2015; 116:67-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2015.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Tedrus GMAS, Fonseca LC, Pereira RB. Marital status of patients with epilepsy: factors and quality of life. Seizure 2015; 27:66-70. [PMID: 25891930 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2015.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Revised: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study investigated how marital status relates to clinical aspects and quality of life (QOL) in patients with epilepsy (PWE). METHOD The clinical data and Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31) scores of 252 PWE were regressed against their marital status with a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). RESULTS Logistic regression for single and married PWE revealed that singles had more abnormalities in the neurological examination (p = 0.029) and earlier seizure onset (p < 0.001), while for married and divorced PWE revealed the latter more psychiatric comorbidities (p = 0.002) and longer disease duration (p = 0.011). Regarding QOL score, linear regression showed that psychiatric comorbidity was the only factor (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The marital status of PWE is negatively associated with clinical aspects of epilepsy.
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Riasi H, Rajabpour Sanati A, Ghaemi K. The stigma of epilepsy and its effects on marital status. SPRINGERPLUS 2014; 3:762. [PMID: 25674487 PMCID: PMC4320190 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background No previous studies have examined marital status of patients with epilepsy and epilepsy-related factors on perceived and enacted stigmas in Iran. In the present study, marital status of patients with epilepsy (PWE’s) in Birjand city in the east of Iran was investigated. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted to identify factors contributing to the marital status of PWE’s in a cross-sectional study with 471 participants. Diagnosis of epilepsy in participants (374 cases) was confirmed by at least two neurologists. Results Marriage rate of PWE’s was 27.3% (n = 102 patients) and divorce rate was 54.8% (n = 205 patients). Divorce rate in women was significantly higher than in men (62.6% vs. 46.4%; P < 0.05), and there were no significant differences between the different types of epilepsy (P > 0.05). Conclusions The stigma of epilepsy has impacts on marital status of PWE’s. The PWE’s suffering from the enacted stigma of epilepsy are significantly more likely to get divorced in comparison with other patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2193-1801-3-762) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Riasi
- Department of Neuroradiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ali Rajabpour Sanati
- Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran ; F. 2, NO 16, Sepehr #8, Sepehr St., Faramarz Abbasi #25, Faramarz Abbasi Ave., Mashhad, Iran
| | - Kazem Ghaemi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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Nehra A, Singla S, Bajpai S, Malviya S, Padma V, Tripathi M. Inverse relationship between stigma and quality of life in India: is epilepsy a disabling neurological condition? Epilepsy Behav 2014; 39:116-25. [PMID: 25240123 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Revised: 07/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stigma associated with epilepsy has negative effects on psychosocial outcomes, affecting quality of life (QOL) and increasing disease burden in persons with epilepsy (PWEs). The aim of our study was to measure the impact of stigma on the QOL of PWEs and the prevalence of neurological disability due to stigmatized epilepsy. METHOD A prospective observational study with a sample of 208 PWEs was conducted. Neuropsychological Tests used were the Indian Disability Evaluation Assessment Scale (IDEAS) to measure disability, the Dysfunctional Analysis Questionnaire (DAQ) to measure QOL, and the Stigma Scale for Epilepsy (SSE) to assess stigma. RESULTS Spearman correlation was calculated, and stigma (SSE) was highly significant with QOL (DAQ) (0.019) and disability due to stigmatized epilepsy (IDEAS) (0.011). CONCLUSION The present study supports the global perception of stigma associated with epilepsy and its negative impact on their overall QOL and its contribution to the escalation of the disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashima Nehra
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sweta Singla
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Swati Bajpai
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shrividhya Malviya
- Centre of Excellence for Epilepsy, Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Vasantha Padma
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Manjari Tripathi
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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Chen J, Zhang Y, Hong Z, Sander JW, Zhou D. Marital adjustment for patients with epilepsy in China. Epilepsy Behav 2013; 28:99-103. [PMID: 23688677 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2013] [Revised: 03/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Marriage is a major source of social support and a predictor of health; however, marriages that involve people with epilepsy are more likely to fail. To explore this issue in China, we compared the marital adjustment of patients with epilepsy to control subjects using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). A total of 136 married persons with epilepsy and 145 healthy control subjects were recruited. The DAS score was significantly lower in people with active epilepsy than in the controls (102.0±17.8 vs. 109.2±15.8, p<0.001). A hierarchical regression showed that depression and social support satisfaction were significant predictors for DAS. Psychosocial variables accounted for 24.0% of the variance in DAS after control for demographic and seizure-related factors in patients with active epilepsy. The result suggests that people with active epilepsy in our sample encountered more marital discord than controls. Treatment to control mood disorder and support intervention might be important for their marital adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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Ducci RD, Cirino RH, de Oliveira RA, Twardowschy CA, Chomatas ER, Kowacs PA. Analysis of 621 death certificates issued from 1998 to 2007 in Curitiba, Brazil, mentioning epilepsy, epileptic seizures and/or status epilepticus. Seizure 2011; 20:406-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2011.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Revised: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Kim MK, Kwon OY, Cho YW, Kim Y, Kim SE, Kim HW, Lee SK, Jung KY, Lee IK. Marital status of people with epilepsy in Korea. Seizure 2011; 19:573-9. [PMID: 20888267 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2010.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Revised: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 09/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A multicentre face-to-face interview was conducted to identify factors contributing to the marital status of people with epilepsy (PWE) in Korea. The marriage rate of PWEs was only 80% and the divorce rate was more than double that in the general population. Among the single subjects, 34% replied that they were unmarried because of epilepsy, and 76% of divorced PWEs replied that epilepsy was the cause of the divorce. The factors affecting the single and divorced status in PWEs included gender, an earlier onset of seizure and seizure onset before marriage. Not informing the spouse of the disease before marriage for fear of discrimination was not related to disadvantage in marriage negotiation or to divorce. Social stigmatization of epilepsy continues and impacts on the marital status of PWEs in Korea. However, there is no correlation between the perceived and the enacted stigmas of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeong-Kyu Kim
- Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
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Holland P, Lane S, Whitehead M, Marson AG, Jacoby A. Labor market participation following onset of seizures and early epilepsy: Findings from a UK cohort. Epilepsia 2008; 50:1030-9. [PMID: 19178562 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01819.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies have reported a considerable employment disadvantage among people with epilepsy. In a cohort of men and women who had experienced a single seizure or had early epilepsy at study entry we explored employment status and social mobility over 4 years and investigated whether employment outcomes were more disadvantageous for certain social groups. METHODS Analyses were based on 350 individuals of working age identified via the UK Multicentre Study of Early Epilepsy and Single Seizures. Employment rates were calculated for the cohort and general population. Employment trajectories over 4 years were explored according to occupational social class. The relative risk of employment was calculated by clinical features of seizures and social class. RESULTS Individuals with single seizures or early epilepsy had significantly lower employment rates than the general population at study entry, and 2- and 4-year follow-up. Employment rates of men and women in the cohort did not differ significantly. Although little social class mobility occurred during follow-up, there was evidence of some downward mobility between first seizure(s) and study entry. In the fully adjusted model, nonemployment was predicted at all time points by having fair/poor self-rated health and experiencing four or more seizures. We observed that some individuals continued to work in hazardous occupations or drive professionally within a year of experiencing seizure(s). DISCUSSION People who have recently experienced a single seizure or who have early epilepsy are exposed to substantial employment disadvantage. Greater efforts are necessary to help these people return to work and stay employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Holland
- Division of Public Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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Jacoby A, Baker GA. Quality-of-life trajectories in epilepsy: a review of the literature. Epilepsy Behav 2008; 12:557-71. [PMID: 18158270 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2007.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2007] [Accepted: 11/18/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The potential psychosocial sequelae of epilepsy are well-documented, but it cannot be assumed that trajectories for quality of life (QOL) of people with epilepsy will inevitably follow its clinical course. In this article, we draw on available literature to suggest likely QOL trajectories associated with epilepsy and the broad range of disease-, patient-, and other-focused factors that appear important in determining them. We conclude that both the likely shape and time frame for QOL trajectories associated with particular clinical scenarios can be delineated, but that their shape can be altered by a much wider range of factors than those represented as epilepsy disease progression. We identify contributory factors currently relatively unexplored and highlight implications for treatment and areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Jacoby
- Division of Public Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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Varma NP, Sylaja PN, George L, Sankara Sarma P, Radhakrishnan K. Employment concerns of people with epilepsy in Kerala, south India. Epilepsy Behav 2007; 10:250-4. [PMID: 17218155 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2006.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2006] [Revised: 11/16/2006] [Accepted: 11/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We examined current employment status, reasons for unemployment, and related psychosocial concerns of 202 persons with epilepsy from the south Indian state of Kerala. Compared with 19% of the general population, 58% of persons with epilepsy were unemployed. Seizure remission for > or = 2 years, monotherapy, better education, ability to travel alone, and ability to drive were significantly associated with being employed. More than three-fourths of the persons with epilepsy had disclosed their epilepsy to their employers and co-workers, which did not adversely affect employment for the majority. The unemployed perceived fear of having seizures and seizure-related falls in the workplace, inadequate education, and antiepileptic drug-induced fatigue as reasons for unemployment. We conclude that unemployment is a major concern of people with epilepsy in this developing region. In addition to optimum seizure control, persons with epilepsy need support in job seeking, in reducing fear of seizures and falls in the workplace, and in identifying their individual abilities and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha P Varma
- R. Madhavan Nayar Center for Comprehensive Epilepsy Care, Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
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Agarwal P, Mehndiratta MM, Antony AR, Kumar N, Dwivedi RN, Sharma P, Kumar S. Epilepsy in India: Nuptiality behaviour and fertility. Seizure 2006; 15:409-15. [PMID: 16781171 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2006.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2004] [Revised: 03/16/2006] [Accepted: 04/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study was conducted to assess the marital status and fertility in adults with epilepsy. METHODS The study group consisted of 240 subjects with epilepsy aged 15 and above, Unmarried males (m) 55, unmarried females (f) 73 and married males 48, married females 64. Data was collected according to standard protocol regarding age, sex, age at marriage and onset of seizure, effect of epilepsy on marriage, type of seizure and control, fertility pattern and abortions. The study group was followed up for 30 months. The data was compared with latest available state and national data using Student's 't'-test, chi square, Fisher Z-test. RESULTS The mean age of married subjects was 26.19 + 6.2 years and of the unmarried was 24.94 +/- 7.1 years. People with epilepsy had significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean age at marriage, significantly (p < 0.05) lower rate of marriage (m 46.6% f 46.72%), significantly (p < 0.05) higher divorce rate and withheld marriage. Females compared to males had higher divorce rate (f 5.84%) and withheld marriage (m 5.45% f 10.96%). The marriage rate of subjects with onset of epilepsy in the first decade (m 38.71% f 34.09%) and second decade (m 33.33% f 35.42%) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of subjects with age at onset of epilepsy greater than 20 years (m 66.67% f 71.11%). Subjects with epilepsy not in remission had significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean age at marriage, lower marriage rate and lower fertility per person-year of marriage than those in remission. Majority (95.54%) did not disclose epilepsy before marriage. Total fertility rate (TFR) in males (4.56) and females (5.45) with epilepsy was comparable to general population. Abortions per pregnancy were 4.76%. CONCLUSION Subjects with epilepsy had lower marriage prevalence rate, delayed marriage (especially females), withheld marriage and higher divorce rate compared to general population. Marriage rate was lower in people with age at onset of epilepsy less than 20 years and in whom seizures were not in remission. Majority of people with epilepsy did not disclose epilepsy before marriage. Though fertility was not affected in people with epilepsy as compared to general population, males had lower fertility than females.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Agarwal
- Neurology unit, PG Institute of Medicine, GSVM Medical College, CSJM University of Kanpur, 208002 U.P., India.
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Wada K, Iwasa H, Okada M, Kawata Y, Murakami T, Kamata A, Zhu G, Osanai T, Kato T, Kaneko S. Marital Status of Patients with Epilepsy with Special Reference to the Influence of Epileptic Seizures on the Patient's Married Life. Epilepsia 2004; 45 Suppl 8:33-6. [PMID: 15610192 DOI: 10.1111/j.0013-9580.2004.458011.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the marital status of the patients with epilepsy to clarify the clinical factors impeding improvement of the quality of life in adults with epilepsy. METHODS We examined the marital status of adult patients with epilepsy who did not have mental retardation and had been treated at Hirosaki University Hospital, Hirosaki, Japan, for >5 years. The present study included 278 patients (142 men and 136 women) ranging from age 20 to 60 years. RESULTS Sixty-six men and 52 women were single. Seventy-six males and 84 females had been married. The present study investigated the proportion of patients in whom seizures were controlled at the time of marriage. Percentages were only 30% for men and 22% for women. This result showed that in many patients, seizures were not controlled when they were married, which suggests that seizures themselves may not markedly inhibit marriage. Thirteen men and 16 women (total, 29 patients) had experienced divorce. Epilepsy was the cause of divorce in seven of the 29 patients who had been divorced. Of these seven patients, only one patient had informed the spouse of the disease before marriage. In the remaining six patients, seizures were witnessed after marriage or the disease was revealed by medication, which resulted in divorces. CONCLUSIONS Concerning the association between marriage and the job, a close relation was found between the presence or absence of marriage and the presence or absence of a job among male patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumaru Wada
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan.
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Gonnaud PM. Prise en charge médico-sociale spécifique des épilepsies partielles pharmaco-résistantes. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s0035-3787(04)71211-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lindsten H, Stenlund H, Forsgren L. Leisure time and social activity after a newly diagnosed unprovoked epileptic seizure in adult age. A population-based case-referent study. Acta Neurol Scand 2003; 107:125-33. [PMID: 12580863 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0404.2003.01360.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate leisure time activity and factors that influence it in an adult cohort having newly diagnosed unprovoked epileptic seizures. PATIENTS AND METHODS A cohort of 62 patients > or =17 years with a newly diagnosed unprovoked epileptic seizure during 1985-87 and 93 sex- and age-matched referents were followed up regarding leisure time activity, marital status and driver's license for 10 years till 1996. Data were questionnaire derived. RESULTS Patients became significantly less physically active, traveled abroad less often and were generally less active during their leisure time than referents. No other significant differences were observed. CONCLUSION After a newly diagnosed unprovoked epileptic seizure in adult age, most leisure time activities, marital status and holding of driver's license are not affected. Patients become physically less active than referents. The role of seizures for this difference is unclear and other medical and social factors should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Lindsten
- Department of Neurology, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University Hospital, Sweden.
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Lindsten H, Stenlund H, Edlund C, Forsgren L. Socioeconomic prognosis after a newly diagnosed unprovoked epileptic seizure in adults: a population-based case-control study. Epilepsia 2002; 43:1239-50. [PMID: 12366741 DOI: 10.1046/j.1528-1157.2002.51101.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the socioeconomic prognosis after a newly diagnosed unprovoked epileptic seizure in adults. METHODS Sixty-three patients 17 years or older with a newly diagnosed unprovoked epileptic seizure from 1985 through 1987 and 107 sex- and age- matched controls were followed up for 10 years to 1996. Studied variables were income, source of income, sickness periods, incapacity rate, diagnosis-specific incapacity rate, vocational status, and education. RESULTS Relative growth of income was similar between patients and controls during follow-up. Patients had lower income than did controls 2 years before seizure onset and during the entire follow-up. This was related to higher morbidity among patients, as measured by sickness periods and incapacity rate. Employment rates did not evolve negatively among patients after seizure onset and were close to employment rates of controls during follow-up time. There was no difference between patients and controls regarding education. CONCLUSIONS After a newly diagnosed unprovoked epileptic seizure in adults, no negative development regarding employment and education occurs. Income development is positive unless refractory seizures evolve. However, income is lower among patients with epilepsy than among controls, and this difference can be related to overall morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Lindsten
- Department of Neurology, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden.
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