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The functional status of people with epilepsy in rural sub-Saharan Africa
| Content Provider | Semantic Scholar |
|---|---|
| Author | Birbeck, Gretchen L. Kalichi, Ellie M. N. |
| Copyright Year | 2003 |
| Abstract | PURPOSE Little data is available regarding the impact of epilepsy on the functional status of people with epilepsy (PWE) in developing countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, limited medical services and social stigmatization subject PWE to substantial physical, psychological and social deprivation. To better delineate the overall burden and distribution of epilepsy-associated disability in sub-Saharan Africa, we assessed the functional status of PWE in a rural, population-based sample and made comparisons to published reports from urban Zimbabwe. METHODS A population-based survey of PWE with epilepsy in rural Zambia utilizing WHO questionnaires. RESULTS Among 86 PWE in 3 rural Zambian communities, 67% participated in the interviews. Only 62% of PWE were receiving treatment. Five to seven percent of rural PWE reported problems with basic hygiene and 9-14% were unable to fulfill work demands, attend social events or enjoy leisure activities. In contrast, 95% of urban PWE denied any problems with social functioning, work performance or relationships. Compared to the urban population, rural PWE had a greater seizure burden (2.3/month vs. 1/month, p=0.007) and reported more difficulties with activities of daily living, including problem solving (70% vs. 54%, p=0.02), speed of thinking (70% vs. 59%, p=0.02) and relationships with co-workers (68% vs. 26%, p< or =0.005). CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of PWE in rural sub-Saharan Africa report problems fulfilling both social and professional functions. These results also suggest that rural PWE may have poorer functional status than their urban counterparts. |
| Starting Page | 65 |
| Ending Page | 68 |
| Page Count | 4 |
| File Format | PDF HTM / HTML |
| DOI | 10.1016/S0022-510X(02)00467-7 |
| PubMed reference number | 12686404 |
| Journal | Medline |
| Volume Number | 209 |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | https://api.elsevier.com/content/article/pii/S0022510X02004677 |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022510X02004677?dgcid=api_sd_search-api-endpoint |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-510X%2802%2900467-7 |
| Journal | Journal of the Neurological Sciences |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
