epilepsiaEpilepsy and paroxysmal conditionsЭпилепсия и пароксизмальные состояния2077-83332311-4088IRBIS LLC10.17749/2077-8333/epi.par.con.2024.166epilepsia-995Research ArticleORIGINAL ARTICLESОРИГИНАЛЬНЫЕ СТАТЬИLiving with epilepsy: patient knowledge and psychosocial impactЖизнь с эпилепсией: знания пациентов и психосоциальное влияниеhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-6422-6004МусекваО. П.MusekwaO. P.

Орфани Пруденс Мусеква – студентка кафедры психологии факультета медицинских наук

Тхохояндоу 0950, Южно-Африканская Республика

Ofhani Prudance Musekwa – Student, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Science

University Rd, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa

ofhanimusekwa@gmail.comhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-1689-9308МахадоЛ.MakhadoL.

Луфуно Махадо – преподаватель кафедры общественного здравоохранения факультета медицинских наук

Тхохояндоу 0950, Южно-Африканская Республика

WoS ResearcherID: I-1586-2016; Scopus Author ID: 56224434100

Lufuno Makhado – Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science

University Rd, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa

WoS ResearcherID: I-1586-2016; Scopus Author ID: 56224434100

Университет ВендаЮжно-Африканская РеспубликаUniversity of VendaSouth Africa2024160420241613344Copyright © Musekwa O.P., Makhado L., 20242024Мусеква О.П., Махадо Л.Musekwa O.P., Makhado L.Данная работа распространяется под лицензией Creative Commons Attribution 4.0.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.https://www.epilepsia.su/jour/article/view/995Background

Background. People living with epilepsy (PLWE) often face psychological comorbidities and social challenges due to low levels of knowledge and awareness about epilepsy, as well as personal experiences with the condition. This can result in a low quality of life for PLWE.

Objective

Objective: to investigate the psychosocial impact of epilepsy on patients residing in rural regions of South Africa (Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces).

Material and methods

Material and methods. A non-experimental quantitative research was conducted, which involved 162 respondents living with epilepsy. Most were males, and the majority were between 18 and 35 years old in both provinces combined. The participants were offered a questionnaire divided into three sections comprising sociodemographic aspects, questions that assessed knowledge, and questions on the psychosocial impact of epilepsy.

Results

Results. I t was shown that while PLWE have a solid understanding of epilepsy as a medical condition, they may not fully comprehend its effects on daily life. For example, many respondents felt shameful after having a seizure and difficulties in forming relationships, and a significant proportion stated that they were never married because of epilepsy. The study highlights the significant psychosocial impact of epilepsy on PLWE, including depression, difficulties in forming and maintaining social connections, and a lack of marital experience.

Conclusion

Conclusion. To improve PLWE’s quality of life, the psychological help is recommended through healthcare facilities or local support groups.

Актуальность

Актуальность. Люди с диагнозом эпилепсии (англ. people living with epilepsy, PLWE) часто сталкиваются с сопутствующими психологическими заболеваниями и социальными проблемами из-за низкого уровня знаний и понимания эпилепсии у окружающих, а также недостатка у них личного опыта взаимодействия с такими больными. Это может приводить к низкому качеству жизни PLWE.

Цель

Цель: изучить влияние эпилепсии на жизнь пациентов, проживающих в сельских районах Южной Африки (провинции Лимпопо и Мпумаланга).

Материал и методы

Материал и методы. Проведено неэкспериментальное количественное исследование, в котором приняли участие 162 респондента с диагнозом «эпилепсия». Большинство из них в обеих провинциях составляли мужчины преимущественно в возрасте от 18 до 35 лет. Участникам была предложена анкета, содержащая три раздела, которые включали социально-демографические аспекты, вопросы по оценке знаний об эпилепсии и ее психосоциального влияния на больных.

Результаты

Результаты. Показано, что, хотя PLWE имеют ясное представление о своем заболевании, они могут не до конца осознавать ее воздействие на повседневную жизнь. Например, многие респонденты испытывали стыд после припадка и трудности в выстраивании взаимоотношений, а значительная их часть заявила, что из-за эпилепсии они никогда не вступали в брак. В работе подчеркивается существенное психосоциальное влияние эпилепсии на PLWE, включая депрессию, трудности с формированием и поддержанием социальных связей, а также отсутствие семейного опыта.

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The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest present.