OBJECTIVE: Understanding the social-cultural aspects of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa will help to improve the situation of people with epilepsy (PWE) in this region. METHODS: This qualitative study comprised interviews with 41 PWE and their carers. Participants were identified from a large community-based epidemiological study of epilepsy conducted in 2009. RESULTS: Epilepsy was commonly ascribed to witchcraft and curses. Nearly all PWE demonstrated pluralistic care-seeking behavior, including the use of prayers and traditional healers alongside modern care. PWE reported discrimination as a result of their condition. The majority of PWE had suffered burns during seizures. CONCLUSIONS: Poor knowledge and strong cultural and religious beliefs characterize the experience of PWE in this population. Epilepsy-related stigma contributes to overall disease burden, and PWE face exclusion across major life domains. There is a need to educate communities and inculcate perceptions and attitudes that promote early detection of epilepsy and early care-seeking behavior.
OBJECTIVE: Understanding the social-cultural aspects of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa will help to improve the situation of people with epilepsy (PWE) in this region. METHODS: This qualitative study comprised interviews with 41 PWE and their carers. Participants were identified from a large community-based epidemiological study of epilepsy conducted in 2009. RESULTS:Epilepsy was commonly ascribed to witchcraft and curses. Nearly all PWE demonstrated pluralistic care-seeking behavior, including the use of prayers and traditional healers alongside modern care. PWE reported discrimination as a result of their condition. The majority of PWE had suffered burns during seizures. CONCLUSIONS: Poor knowledge and strong cultural and religious beliefs characterize the experience of PWE in this population. Epilepsy-related stigma contributes to overall disease burden, and PWE face exclusion across major life domains. There is a need to educate communities and inculcate perceptions and attitudes that promote early detection of epilepsy and early care-seeking behavior.
Authors: Mary C Spiciarich; Jane R von Gaudecker; Laura Jurasek; Dave F Clarke; Jorge Burneo; Jorge Vidaurre Journal: Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep Date: 2019-05-01 Impact factor: 5.081
Authors: Mark Kaddumukasa; Angelina Kakooza; James Kayima; Martin N Kaddumukasa; Edward Ddumba; Levi Mugenyi; Anthony Furlan; Samden Lhatoo; Martha Sajatovic; Elly Katabira Journal: Epilepsy Behav Date: 2015-11-25 Impact factor: 2.937