1
|
Teuwen DE, Ndayisenga A, Garrez I, Sebera F, Mutungirehe S, Umwiringirwa J, Ndiaye M, Umuhoza G, Boon PAJM, Dedeken P. Challenges to epilepsy management in Rwandan women living with epilepsy. Eur J Neurol 2024:e16254. [PMID: 38429893 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In Rwanda, epilepsy prevalence ranges between 29‰ and 49‰. Many women living with epilepsy (WwE) are of childbearing age. Epilepsy characteristics and management, contraception, pregnancy, puerperium and stigma in WwE presenting at the neurology clinic of Ndera, Rwanda, were investigated. METHODS This prospective cross-sectional study investigated demographics, epilepsy characteristics, treatment, contraception, folic acid use, pregnancy, puerperium and stigma in WwE aged ≥18 years. Subgroups were analysed by status of any pregnancy and time of epilepsy diagnosis relative to pregnancy, with significant differences expected. RESULTS During December 2020 and January 2021, a hundred WwE were enrolled (range 18-67 years). Fifty-two women had never been pregnant, 39 women had epilepsy onset before pregnancy and nine were diagnosed after pregnancy. No significant differences in age, marital status or occupation were observed. Contraception was used by 27%, of whom 50% were taking enzyme-inducing anti-epileptic medication. Valproate was used by 46% of WwE of reproductive age. Thirty-nine women with epilepsy onset before pregnancy reported 91 pregnancies, with 14% spontaneous abortions. None used folic acid before conception, and 59% only during pregnancy. Five of 78 newborns were preterm. No offspring had major congenital malformations. Nearly 25% of WwE were not compliant with their anti-epileptic medication schedule during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Internalized stigma was observed in more than 60%. Up to 25% had been discriminated against at school or work. CONCLUSION A comprehensive strategy considering the reproductive health and societal challenges of WwE is needed to drive optimal epilepsy management, reproductive health outcomes and societal inclusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk E Teuwen
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- 4Brain, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arlène Ndayisenga
- Department of Neurology, King Faisal Hospital Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Ieme Garrez
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- 4Brain, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fidèle Sebera
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Mustapha Ndiaye
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de FANN, Université Cheik Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Georgette Umuhoza
- Department of Neurology, King Faisal Hospital Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Paul A J M Boon
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- 4Brain, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Dedeken
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- 4Brain, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Heilig Hart Ziekenhuis, Lier, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dedeken P, Muhumuza SN, Sebera F, Umwiringirwa J, Bitunguhari L, Tierens H, Teuwen DE, Boon PAJM. Corrigendum: Long-Term Impact of Single Epilepsy Training on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices: Comparison of Trained and Untrained Rwandan Community Health Workers. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606486. [PMID: 38024209 PMCID: PMC10658892 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2021.645598.].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Dedeken
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Heilig Hart Ziekenhuis, Lier, Belgium
- UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stephen N. Muhumuza
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Kabgayi District Hospital, Kabgayi, Rwanda
| | - Fidele Sebera
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- CARAES Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Brothers of Charity, Department of Neurology, Kigali, Rwanda
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU-K), Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Josiane Umwiringirwa
- CARAES Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Brothers of Charity, Department of Neurology, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Dirk E. Teuwen
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Teuwen DE, Sebera F, Murekeyiteto A, Garrez I, Sanchez-Iriso E, Umwiringirwa J, Umuhoza G, Boon PAJM, Dedeken P. Epilepsy-Related Direct Medical and Direct Non-Medical Cost in Adult Patients Living with Epilepsy at a Tertiary Neurology Center in Rwanda. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res 2023; 15:15-27. [PMID: 36660476 PMCID: PMC9843617 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s382030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Objective Up to one in four patients living with epilepsy (PwE) mentions financial constraints as a reason for loss to follow-up at the Ndera tertiary neuropsychiatry hospital. Therefore, we evaluated the annual direct medical cost (DMC) and direct non-medical cost (DnMC) of epilepsy and calculated costs assuming different follow-up frequency. Materials and Methods DMC data were obtained from a descriptive retrospective study of medical records, pharmacy dispensation and hospital logs of PwE, following their initial consultation in 2018 and who adhered to the normal clinical practice of monthly consultations for one year. DnMC data were collected through structured interviews of PwE in a cross-sectional cohort in August 2020. DnMC included biomedical care costs (eg, transportation, hospitality) and non-biomedical costs (traditional healer visits). We report weighted means for total costs, health insurance costs, and out-of-pocket costs (OoP). Results Mean annual total cost was 389.4 US$, of which 226.2 US$ was covered by the Rwandan Health Insurance co-payment for DMC and 163.2 US$ was OoP paid by patients. Mean weighted annual DMC (n = 55) was 248.9 US$. Mean weighted annual DMC for medical consultations and antiseizure medication accounted for 30.7 US$ and 161.7 US$, respectively. Based on structured interviews (n = 69), mean weighted annual DnMC for biomedical care was 73.0 US$. Mean DnMC for traditional healer care was 67.6 US$. Weighted annual total OoP was 163.2 US$ or 20% of the GDP per capita. OoP consisted of 14% DMC co-payment, 45% biomedical DnMC, and 41% traditional healer DnMC. Conclusion Epilepsy-related costs at a tertiary center are an important economic burden for PwE and Rwandan Health Insurance. Biomedical and traditional healer DnMC constitute 86% of total OoP. Future prospective studies should evaluate outcomes and costs of reduced visit frequency, indirect costs, and costs of comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk E Teuwen
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,4Brain, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,Correspondence: Dirk E Teuwen, Email
| | - Fidele Sebera
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,Neurology Department, CARAES Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda,Neurology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU-K), Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Ieme Garrez
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,4Brain, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Georgette Umuhoza
- Neurology Department, CARAES Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Paul A J M Boon
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,4Brain, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Dedeken
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,4Brain, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,Department of Neurology, Heilig Hart Ziekenhuis, Lier, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sebera F, Dedeken P, Garrez I, Umwiringirwa J, Leers T, Ndacyayisenga JP, Mutungirehe S, Ndayisenga A, Niyonzima O, Umuhoza G, Teuwen DE, Boon PAMJ. Association of depression and epilepsy in Rwanda: A prospective longitudinal study. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 138:108993. [PMID: 36455447 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Depression is the most common psychiatric comorbidity for persons living with epilepsy. In Rwanda, the prevalence of epilepsy and depression are high, with 4,9% and 13.0% respectively. This prospective interventional study aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of depression and the outcome of persons living with epilepsy (PwE) with depression attending the outpatient neurology department of a tertiary center. METHODS Persons living with epilepsy enrolled between February and June 2018 in a screening cohort with a 12-month follow-up. At every 3-month study visit, PwE were screened for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) questionnaire. Any positively screened subject was administered the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) to confirm the diagnosis and severity of depression. Subjects with moderate to severe depression (MSD), were started on treatment and were followed for another year. We describe the prevalence and incidence of depression, baseline characteristics, epilepsy and depression outcomes, and changes in PGI-C. RESULTS Of 572 PwE enrolled, 46 were diagnosed with MSD in a twelve-month period, resulting in an incidence of MSD of 32.7/1000 patient-years. The prevalence of any depression and MSD was 14.2% and 4.7%, respectively. Longer epilepsy duration and seizure status at baseline were associated with MSD. Significant improvements in PGI-C and seizure frequency were observed after treatment optimization. CONCLUSION The use of PHQ-9 and HDRS proved successful in identifying depression in PwE. Combined treatment of epilepsy and depression resulted in improved outcomes, warranting the implementation of depression screening every six months in daily neurology practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fidele Sebera
- Neurology Department, CARAES Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; Neurology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire - Kigali (CHU-K), Kigali, Rwanda; Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Dedeken
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; 4Brain, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Neurology, Heilig Hart Ziekenhuis, Lier, Belgium
| | - Ieme Garrez
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; 4Brain, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Tim Leers
- WIWO Hospital, Nyarugenge District, Kigali, Rwanda; Dataroots, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Arlene Ndayisenga
- Neurology Department, CARAES Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; Neurology Department, King Faisal Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Odette Niyonzima
- Neurology Department, CARAES Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; WIWO Hospital, Nyarugenge District, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Georgette Umuhoza
- Neurology Department, CARAES Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Dirk E Teuwen
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; 4Brain, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Paul A M J Boon
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; 4Brain, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sebera F, Dedeken P, Kayirangwa J, Umwiringirwa J, Kajeneza D, Dos Reis NA, Leers T, Teuwen DE, Boon PAJM. Effectiveness of community health workers on identification and mobilization of persons living with epilepsy in rural Rwanda using a validated screening tool. Hum Resour Health 2022; 20:10. [PMID: 35062963 PMCID: PMC8780363 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-022-00704-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Engagement and training of community health workers (CHWs) have demonstrated their value in different conditions. Despite repeat epilepsy trainings of CHWs in Northern Rwanda, the treatment gap remained high. We hypothesized that effectiveness of CHWs on mobilization of patients living with epilepsy (PwE) could be improved using a validated tool for epilepsy screening. METHODS CHWs associated with health centers (HCs) of Gataraga, Kimonyi and Karwasa attended a 1-day training on epilepsy and Limoges epilepsy screening questionnaire (Kinyarwanda version). Thereafter, CHWs screened households in their villages for persons with one or more positive answer. CHWs then accompanied positively screened persons to a consultation for clinical evaluation and diagnosis by neurologists, and demographic data were collected. CHW variables were collected retrospectively. RESULTS A total of 1308 persons were screened positive by 281 CHWs. Clinical diagnosis of epilepsy was confirmed in 589 and in 93 additional unscreened PwE, presenting voluntarily at the consultation. Pre-intervention number of 48 PwE increased to 682 after, a 14.2-fold increase. The overall treatment gap amounted to 93.0%. The age distribution of male PwE preponderance at younger age inverted to females at older age. CHW characteristics showed non-significant differences within and across HCs. Logistic regression did not relate CHW age, gender, and experience to screening results. DISCUSSION Equipping CHWs with a validated screening tool was effective in identifying and mobilizing PwE in a short time frame and offers opportunity for future scaling. Nonetheless, barriers to sustainability of care will need to be addressed before.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fidele Sebera
- Department of Neurology, Brothers of Charity, CARAES Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Ndera, Kigali, Rwanda
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Dedeken
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
- Heilig Hart Ziekenhuis, Lier, Belgium.
- UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium.
- 4Brain, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jeannine Kayirangwa
- Department of Mental Health and Neurology, Ruhengeri Referral Hospital, Musanze, Rwanda
| | - Josiane Umwiringirwa
- Department of Neurology, Brothers of Charity, CARAES Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Ndera, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Delphine Kajeneza
- Department of Neurology, Brothers of Charity, CARAES Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Ndera, Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Neurology, National University Hospital FANN, University of Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Dirk E Teuwen
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- 4Brain, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paul A J M Boon
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- 4Brain, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dedeken P, Muhumuza SN, Sebera F, Umwiringirwa J, Bitunguhari L, Tierens H, Teuwen DE, Boon PAJM. Long-Term Impact of Single Epilepsy Training on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices: Comparison of Trained and Untrained Rwandan Community Health Workers. Int J Public Health 2021; 66:645598. [PMID: 34867136 PMCID: PMC8636829 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2021.645598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To close the epilepsy treatment gap and reduce related stigma, eradication of misconceptions is importantIn 2014, Community Health Workers (CHWs) from Musanze (Northern Rwanda) were trained on different aspects of epilepsy. This study compared knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) towards epilepsy of trained CHWs 3 years after training, to untrained CHWs from Rwamagana (Eastern Rwanda). Methods: An epilepsy KAP questionnaire was administered to 96 trained and 103 untrained CHWs. Demographic and intergroup KAP differences were analysed by response frequencies. A multivariate analyses was performed based on desired and undesired response categories. Results: Epilepsy awareness was high in both groups, with better knowledge levels in trained CHWs. Negative attitudes were lowest in trained CHWs, yet 17% still reported misconceptions. Multivariate analysis demonstrated the impact of the training, irrespective of age, gender and educational level. Knowing someone with epilepsy significantly induced more desired attitudes. Conclusion: Despite demographic differences between trained and untrained CHWs, a single epilepsy training resulted in significant improvement of desired KAPs after 3 years. Nation-wide CHW training programs with focus on training-resistant items, e.g., attitudes, are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Dedeken
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Heilig Hart Ziekenhuis, Lier, Belgium
- UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stephen N. Muhumuza
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Kabgayi District Hospital, Kabgayi, Rwanda
| | - Fidele Sebera
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- CARAES Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Brothers of Charity, Department of Neurology, Kigali, Rwanda
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU-K), Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Josiane Umwiringirwa
- CARAES Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Brothers of Charity, Department of Neurology, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Dirk E. Teuwen
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dedeken P, Sebera F, Mutungirehe S, Garrez I, Umwiringirwa J, Van Steenkiste F, Boon PAJM, Teuwen DE. High prevalence of epilepsy in Northern Rwanda: Exploring gender differences. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e2377. [PMID: 34661989 PMCID: PMC8613444 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the prevalence of lifetime epilepsy varies widely between subregions and is higher in rural compared to urban regions. Observed versus expected numbers of patients with epilepsy (PwE) in the northern province of Rwanda did not match the prevalence of 49‰ reported in 2005 in Rwanda. We report a confirmatory prevalence study focused on gender-specific observations. METHODS A cross-sectional door-to-door approach was used in three rural villages. First, epilepsy screening using the Kinyarwanda version of the Limoges questionnaire was performed. Second, confirmation of epilepsy diagnosis was completed by trained physicians. RESULTS In total, 2681 persons (56.14% female) were screened. Of 168 positively screened, 128 persons were diagnosed with epilepsy confirming the prevalence of lifetime epilepsy of 47.7‰ (CI 39.8-56.8). The diagnosis gap was 62.5% with 80 newly diagnosed. The overall female:male ratio was 1.61:1.00. A male preponderance below 9 years of age inverted to a female preponderance above 20 years of age. Female PwE had an older age at first seizure, reported different reasons for not seeking care, and differed from male PwE in possible etiology. For previously diagnosed PwE, the treatment gap was more than 77%. CONCLUSION A high prevalence in rural areas was confirmed, with an observed female/male ratio among the highest of published door-to-door surveys in SSA. Gender differences in associated co-morbidities and age at first seizure warrant future research of underlying etiologies and possible survival bias. A better understanding and focus on gender-associated care-seeking patterns, education, and specific needs are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Dedeken
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Corporate Societal Responsibility, UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, Heilig Hart Ziekenhuis, Lier, Belgium
| | - Fidele Sebera
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, Ndera, CARAES Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Sylvestre Mutungirehe
- Department of Neurology, Ndera, CARAES Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda.,Department of Neurology, National University Hospital FANN, University of Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ieme Garrez
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,4Brain, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Josiane Umwiringirwa
- Department of Neurology, Ndera, CARAES Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Frank Van Steenkiste
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Psychiatric Center Sint-Jan-Baptist, Zelzate, Belgium
| | - Paul A J M Boon
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,4Brain, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk E Teuwen
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Corporate Societal Responsibility, UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium.,4Brain, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sebera F, Vissoci JRN, Umwiringirwa J, Teuwen DE, Boon PE, Dedeken P. Validity, reliability and cut-offs of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 as a screening tool for depression among patients living with epilepsy in Rwanda. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234095. [PMID: 32530968 PMCID: PMC7292570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with epilepsy (PwE) have an increased risk of active and lifetime depression. Two in 10 patients experience depression. Lack of trained psychiatric staff in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) creates a need for screening tools that enable detection of depression in PwE. We describe the translation, validity and reliability assessment of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) as a screening tool for depression among PwE in Rwanda. METHOD PHQ-9 was translated to Kinyarwanda using translation-back translation and validated by a discussion group. For validation, PwE of ≥15 years of age were administered the PHQ-9 and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) by trained psychiatry staff at Visit 1. A random sample of 20% repeated PHQ-9 and HDRS after 14 days to assess temporal stability and intra-rater reliability. Internal structure, reliability and external validity were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, reliability coefficients and HDRS-correlation, respectively. Maximal Youden's index was considered for cut-offs. RESULTS Four hundred and thirty-four PwE, mean age 30.5 years (SD ±13.3), were included of whom 33.6%, 37.9%, 13.4%, and 15.1% had no, mild, moderate and severe depression, respectively. PHQ-9 performed well on a one-factor model (unidimensional model), with factor loadings of 0.63-0.86. Reliability coefficients above 0.80 indicated strong internal consistency. Good temporal stability was observed (0.79 [95% CI: 0.68-0.87]). A strong correlation (R = 0.66, p = 0.01) between PHQ-9 and HDRS summed scores demonstrated robust external validity. The optimal cut-off for the PHQ-9 was similar (≥5) for mild and moderate depression and ≥7 for severe depression. CONCLUSION PHQ-9 validation in Kinyarwanda creates the capacity to screen PwE in Rwanda at scores of ≥5 for mild or moderate and ≥7 for severe depression. The availability of validated tools for screening and diagnosis for depression is a forward step for holistic care in a resource-limited environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fidèle Sebera
- CARAES Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Ndera, Kigali, Rwanda
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Kigali (CHUK), Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Peter Dedeken
- UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium
- Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Heilig Hart Hospitaal, Lier, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|