Epilepsy and its effects on children and families in rural Uganda

Abstract

Background: This report aims to assess the impact of childhood epilepsy in an isolated rural area in Western Uganda, with little access to medical care, via its effect on children and families. Basic information on 440 affected children, clinically examined at 19 rural centres, was collated and data on seizure pattern and duration analysed, together with information on school attendance of older children. Objective: To publicise the consequences of undertreated illness, and to encourage improved management of this condition. Results: Distribution by seizure type was: generalised 61%, focal 33%, and miscellaneous 6%. When information on all seizure types was combined, a 'typical seizure' lasted < 1 hour, followed by coma. The typical age of onset and duration of illness approximated 2½ and 4 years respectively. Modal frequency and duration of seizures suggested that ~96 hours might be 'lost' to seizures over 4 years.Twenty four children had delayed global or motor development; a further 93 were reported to have 'poor understanding'. Information on school attendance available on 162 of 231 school aged children indicated that 92 were attending and 70 not attending school. Fifty eight percent of children >10 yrs old attending school and 68% of non-attendees, had never progressed beyond the entry class. Conclusion: The unexpected prevalence of apparent cognitive delay is discussed, together with strategies for prevention and management of epilepsy at community level.

The effect of Seizure on School Attendance among Children with Epilepsy: A follow-up study at the Pediatrics Neurology Clinic, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“…In addition, female children with epilepsy are at increased risk of developing depression due to the illness which could perhaps affect school attendance negatively. Our finding, however, contradicts the finding of a study that showed higher proportion of school attendance among female than male children (12). The finding of this study shows the need to reach out for female children with epilepsy even more than the male children.…”

Impact of epilepsy on children and parents in Gabon

“…The impact of epilepsy on the family depends on several factors including the severity of the disorder, seizure frequency, adverse effects of treatment, therapeutic response, and induced anxiety in parents and other members of the family [43]. In some studies, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders were more common among parents of children with epilepsy compared with parents of children without epilepsy [11,44]. Our results were surprising because the QOL was poor in urban areas and among parents whose children had received specialized medical advice.…”

Perceptions of epilepsy among first-year medical students at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda

“…Epilepsy has been demonstrated to have a big social impact on PWE and their families in Uganda [10], and improving treatment for these patients has the potential of far-reaching consequences.…”