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Al-Aqeel S. Nonadherence to antiseizure medications: what have we learned and what can be done next? Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38676921 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2024.2349191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nonadherence to antiseizure medications (ASMs) is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, health care utilization, and costs. AREAS COVERED This article reviewed 18 randomized controlled trials published between Jan 2010 and Feb 2024 on Medication Adherence Enhancing Intervention (MAEI) for people with epilepsy. The adequacy of reporting intervention development process was assessed using the GUIDance for the rEporting of intervention Development (GUIDED). The adequacy of the intervention description was assessed using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist. The interventions were categorized as educational (n = 7), behavioral (n = 5), or mixed (n = 6). The impact of MAEIs on adherence is mixed with majority of studies either reporting no difference between intervention and control groups (n = 6) or improvement in the intervention group (n = 7). The shortcomings in the reporting of MAEIs development, MAEIs description, and MAEIs impact measurement were discussed. EXPERT OPINION Future research needs to accomplish the following tasks: 1) develop and test valid epilepsy-specific self-report measures for assessing adherence; 2) optimize intervention design; and 3) increase transparency in reporting all stages of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinaa Al-Aqeel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Yusuf MM, Wakawa IA, Shettima FB, Dahiru AMC, Musami UB, Rabebbe IB. Levels and predictors of knowledge of epilepsy among patients attending the epilepsy clinic of a neuro-psychiatric facility in North-Eastern Nigeria. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 45:59. [PMID: 37637395 PMCID: PMC10460096 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.45.59.33293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction significant numbers of patients with epilepsy have poor knowledge of their disease. Patients' knowledge of disease is related to their success in coping with the disease and adherence to medication; which is one of the key factors that determined the success of pharmacotherapy in patient with epilepsy. In this study, we evaluate the level of knowledge of epilepsy among patient with Epilepsy in a tertiary mental health care facility. Methods using a cross-sectional design, 410 patients with epilepsy attending general outpatient clinic of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri in Northeastern Nigeria were sampled randomly into the study after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Socio-demographic, clinical and epilepsy knowledge questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18. Results 263 (64.1%) had poor knowledge of epilepsy and 290 (70%) had less frequent seizures (having fewer than four seizure episodes in the last three months). Independent predictors of knowledge of Epilepsy were intermediate skilled employment (O.R = 2.32, P = 0.022, 95% C I = 1.13 - 4.76); semi-skilled employment (O. R = 1/85, p = 0.001, 95% C I = 1.10 - 3.12); seizure frequency (O R = 1.72, p = 0.031, 95% C I = 1.31 - 3.24). Conclusion the level of knowledge of epilepsy among people with epilepsy was low with more than 64.1% percent of the participants had poor knowledge of epilepsy. Occupational status and seizure frequencies were independent predictors of knowledge of epilepsy. We therefore recommend psycho-educational programs be incorporated in the routine clinical care of the patients and for clinicians to pay more attention to providing information and education needs of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Mahmood Yusuf
- Department of Mental Health, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim Abdu Wakawa
- Department of Mental Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Falmata Baba Shettima
- Department of Mental Health, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | | | - Umar Baba Musami
- Department of Mental Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Isa Bukar Rabebbe
- Department of Mental Health, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
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Abuga J, Mwangi L, Ndolo J, Kariuki S, Newton C. Healthcare utilization by children with neurological impairments and disabilities in rural Kenya: a retrospective cohort study combined with secondary analysis of audit data. Wellcome Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18405.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is a paucity of data on healthcare utilization by children with neurological impairments (NI) in sub-Saharan Africa. We determined the rate, risk factors, causes, and outcomes of hospital admission and utilization patterns for rehabilitative care among children with NI in a defined rural area in Kenya. Methods: We designed two sub-studies to address the primary objectives. Firstly, we retrospectively observed 251 children aged 6–9 years with NI and 2162 age-matched controls to determine the rate, causes and outcomes of hospitalization in a local referral hospital. The two cohorts were identified from an epidemiological survey conducted in 2015 in a defined geographical area. Secondly, we reviewed hospital records to characterize utilization patterns for rehabilitative care. Results: Thirty-four in-patient admissions occurred in 8503 person-years of observation (PYO), yielding a crude rate of 400 admissions per 100 000 PYO (95% confidence interval (Cl): 286–560). The risk of admission was similar between cases and controls (rate ratio=0.70, 95%CI: 0.10–2.30, p = 0.31). The presence of electricity in the household was associated with reduced odds of admission (odds ratio=0.32, 95% Cl: 0.10–0.90, p < 0.01). Seizures and malaria were the main causes of admission. We confirmed six (0.3%) deaths during the follow-up period. Over 93% of outpatient paediatric visits for rehabilitative care were related to cerebral palsy and intellectual developmental delay. Health education (87%), rehabilitative exercises (79%) and assistive technology (64%) were the most common interventions. Conclusions: Surprisingly, the risk of hospitalization was not different between children with NI and those without, possibly because those with severe NI who died before this follow-up were under seclusion and restraint in the community. Evidence-based and tailored rehabilitative interventions are urgently required based on the existing secondary data.
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Jarad S, Akour A, Khreisat WH, Elshammari AK, Madae’en S. The Role of Clinical Pharmacist in Pediatrics' Adherence to Antiepileptic Drugs. J Pharm Technol 2022; 38:272-282. [PMID: 36046350 PMCID: PMC9420919 DOI: 10.1177/87551225221097619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rate of nonadherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in children is about 33%. Engaging clinical pharmacists in the management of patients has proved to increase adherence to medications which will improve the outcomes of treatment. Objectives To investigate the effect of a clinical pharmacist-led education on the adherence to AEDs in pediatric patients with epilepsy. Secondary outcomes include effectiveness and safety of AEDs, satisfaction with information about AEDs provided to the caregivers, and patients quality of life (QoL). Methods This was an interventional study where pediatric patients were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 41) or the control (n = 40) group. A 30-minute clinical pharmacist-led educational interview to the parent/caregiver was provided to the first group as add-on to standard medical care received by latter. Outcomes were measured at baseline and after 8-week follow-up. Results The intervention group had an increase in mean adherence score from 6 ± 1.09 at baseline to 7.6 ± 0.9 at follow-up (P value < 0.001), while the control group had no significant change (P value > 0.05), the difference between the 2 groups at follow-up was significant (P value < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed between groups at follow-up with regard to effectiveness (P value > 0.05), and safety (P value = 0.08). While higher satisfaction with information (P value < 0.0001), and higher QoL (P value < 0.05) was observed in the intervention group. Conclusion and relevance Clinical pharmacist-led education had a positive outcome on pediatric patients with epilepsy with regard to adherence, effectiveness, safety, satisfaction with information about AEDs, and QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suha Jarad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amal Akour
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, Abu-Dhabi, UAE
| | - Wael H. Khreisat
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Queen Rania Children’s Hospital, Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan
| | - Afrah K. Elshammari
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Queen Rania Children’s Hospital, Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan
| | - Saba Madae’en
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
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Fleeman N, Bradley PM, Panebianco M, Sharma A. Care delivery and self-management strategies for children with epilepsy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 4:CD006245. [PMID: 35476253 PMCID: PMC9045404 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006245.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting both children and adults. Epileptic seizures are the result of excessive and abnormal cortical cell electrical activity in the brain. In response to criticism that epilepsy care for children has little impact on long-term outcomes, healthcare professionals and administrators have developed various service models and strategies to address perceived inadequacies. This is an updated version of a Cochrane Review previously published in 2018. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of any specialised or dedicated intervention for epilepsy versus usual care in children and adolescents with epilepsy and their families. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases on 14 January 2020: the Cochrane Register of Studies (CRS Web), MEDLINE (Ovid, 1946 to 13 January 2020), PsycINFO (1887 to 14 January 2020), CINAHL Plus (1937 to 14 January 2020), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. The Cochrane Register of Studies (CRS Web) includes the Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialised Register and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). We also contacted experts in the field seeking information on unpublished and ongoing studies and checked the websites of epilepsy organisations and the reference lists of included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials recruiting children and adolescents with epilepsy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion and extracted the relevant data. We assessed the following outcomes: 1. Seizure frequency and severity; 2. Appropriateness and volume of medication prescribed (including evidence of drug toxicity); 3. Participants' reported knowledge of information and advice received from professionals; 4. Participants' reports of health and quality of life; 5. Objective measures of general health status; 6. Objective measures of social or psychological functioning (including the number of days spent on sick leave/absence from school or work, and employment status); and 7. Costs of care or treatment. The results of the data extraction and quality assessment for each study were presented in structured tables and as a narrative summary. All summary statistics were extracted for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS We included nine studies of eight interventions in the review, reporting on seven distinct self-management programmes for educating or counselling children with epilepsy and their parents, and one new model of care. Based largely on self-reported outcomes, each programme showed some benefits for the well-being of children with epilepsy; however, all of the included studies had methodological flaws. No single programme was evaluated with different study samples, and in no instance was the same outcome measured and reported in the same way across studies, precluding any possible meta-analysis, even if the interventions were considered sufficiently similar to include in meta-analysis. We chose the outcomes for which data might be important for decisions about the interventions as per guidance in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We found moderate certainty evidence that one of the educational interventions reduced seizure frequency. There was low certainty evidence that two other educational interventions reduced seizure severity, seizure control, and seizure cure rates. The evidence for all other outcomes (drug adherence, knowledge, self-efficacy and self-perception of epilepsy on quality of life) was mixed. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Whilst each of the programmes evaluated in this review showed some benefit to children with epilepsy, their impact was extremely variable. No programme showed benefits across the full range of outcomes, and all studies had methodological problems. There is currently insufficient evidence in favour of any single programme. Further evidence from randomised controlled trials using validated measures and considering clinical meaningfulness as well as statistical significance of results is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Fleeman
- Liverpool Reviews & Implementation Group, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter M Bradley
- Department of Public Health, Government of Jersey, St Helier, Jersey
| | - Mariangela Panebianco
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Validating measures of stigma against those with mental illness among a community sample in Kilifi Kenya. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2022; 9:241-248. [PMID: 36618740 PMCID: PMC9806973 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2022.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stigma against persons with mental illness is a universal phenomenon, but culture influences the understanding of etiology of mental illness and utilization of health services. METHODS We validated Kiswahili versions of three measures of stigma which were originally developed in the United Kingdom: Community Attitudes Toward the Mentally Ill Scale (CAMI), Reported and Intended Behaviors Scale (RIBS) and Mental Health Awareness Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) and evaluated their psychometric properties using a community sample (N = 616) in Kilifi, Kenya. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the one-factor solution for RIBS [root mean-squared error of approximation (RMSEA) < 0.01, comparative fit index (CFI) = 1.00, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 1.01] and two-factor solution for MAKS (RMSEA = 0.04, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95). A 23-item, three-factor model provided the best indices of goodness of fit for CAMI (RMSEA = 0.04, CFI = 0.90, TLI = 0.89). MAKS converged with both CAMI and RIBS. Internal consistency was good for the RIBS and acceptable for CAMI and MAKS. Test-retest reliabilities were excellent for RIBS and poor for CAMI and MAKS, but kappa scores for inter-rater agreement were relatively low for these scales. Results support validity of the original MAKS and RIBS scale and a modified CAMI scale and suggest that stigma is not an enduring trait in this population. The low kappa scores are consistent with first kappa paradox which is due to adjustment for agreements by chance in case of marginal prevalence values. CONCLUSIONS Kiswahili versions of the MAKS, RIBS and a modified version of the CAMI are valid for use in the study population. Stigma against people with mental illness may not be an enduring trait in this population.
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Chahal S, Govil N, Nadda A, Kaloti AS, Gupta N. Impact of a Brief Structured Psychoeducation Session on Antiepileptic Drug Adherence and Treatment Outcome in Persons with Epilepsy: A Prospective Cohort Study. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2021; 24:361-366. [PMID: 34446998 PMCID: PMC8370178 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_447_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Poor adherence to antiepileptic drugs is one of the most important causes of treatment failure in persons with epilepsy (PWE). This study was aimed at assessing the impact of psychoeducation on drug adherence and treatment outcome in PWE. Methods: It was a prospective cohort study with a pre and posttest intervention design. A cohort of 100 epilepsy patients aged 18–65 years and on antiepileptic drugs for at least 6 months attending the outpatient department was enrolled in the study. Drug adherence was measured by Medication Adherence Rating Scale. A structured eight-domain epilepsy psychoeducation session with pictorial description was given to the study subjects in two parts (group and individually) lasting for a total of 30 min on the day of baseline assessment. Adherence and treatment outcome variables were assessed by an independent observer 4 months after the psychoeducation session. Chi-square test and paired t-test were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 20 with P value less than 0.05 considered as significant. Results: There was a statistically significant (P < 0.001) increase in the number of patients who were adherent to medications after psychoeducation session. There was a significant reduction in mean seizure frequency (0.68 ± 0.65) and seizure severity in terms of injuries sustained during seizure episodes post intervention. Regularities in the follow-up visits were also witnessed. A significant decrease in the number of hospital admissions (0.09 ± 0.32), mean inpatient treatment days (0.44 ± 2.19), and emergency room visits (0.19 ± 0.15) was noted 4 months after the psychoeducation session indicative of better treatment outcome. Conclusion: The present study proves the efficacy of a structured educational program in improving drug adherence and treatment outcome in a cohort of people with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savita Chahal
- Department of Psychiatry, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC), Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Nikhil Govil
- Department of General Medicine, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC), Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Anuradha Nadda
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Amandeep S Kaloti
- Department of General Medicine, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC), Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Nishu Gupta
- Department of Paediatrics, PGIMER Satellite Centre Sangrur, Punjab, India
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Eshiet UI, Okonta JM, Ukwe CV. Evaluating the impact of pharmaceutical care services on the clinical outcomes of epilepsy: a randomised controlled trial. Ir J Med Sci 2021; 191:885-894. [PMID: 33774765 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-021-02599-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The involvement of pharmacists in the provision of specialised care to patients with epilepsy is poor. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical care services on the clinical outcomes of epilepsy. SETTING Two selected major referral epilepsy treatment centres in southern Nigeria were used for the study. Patients were recruited from the Neurology and Medical out-patient clinics of the hospitals. METHOD An open randomised controlled study was carried out on epilepsy patients receiving clinical care at the selected hospitals. Patients in the intervention group were offered pharmaceutical care services. The impact of the pharmaceutical care services on the clinical outcomes of epilepsy (seizure frequency and severity) was evaluated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The effect of pharmaceutical care services on seizure frequency and severity in patients with epilepsy. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference between the usual care (UC) and the pharmaceutical care (PC) group on the clinical outcomes of epilepsy post-PC intervention. Comparison between the groups (UC versus PC) revealed that patients in the PC group had a significantly lower seizure frequency score than those in the UC group at 3 months and 6 months-(pre-intervention: 3.09 versus 3.34; t = -1.685; p = 0.094) (3 months 2.45 versus 1.68; t = 4.494; p = 0.001), (6 months: 1.97 versus 0.92; t = -3.137; p = 0.001). Also, comparisons between the groups (UC versus PC) showed that patients in the PC group had a significantly lower seizure severity score than those in the UC group at 3 months and 6 months-(pre-intervention 18.46 versus 20.38; t = -3.102; p = 0.01) (3 months: 17.51 versus 14.79; t = 4.202; p = 0.001) (6 months 16.41 versus 11.66; t = 8.930; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Pharmaceutical care interventions may significantly reduce seizure frequency and severity in patients with epilepsy. IMPACT OF FINDINGS ON PRACTICE These findings provide justification for the integration of pharmaceutical care services with other elements of health care for epilepsy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unyime Israel Eshiet
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
| | | | - Chinwe Victoria Ukwe
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
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Leone M, Ciccacci F, Orlando S, Petrolati S, Guidotti G, Majid NA, Tolno VT, Sagno J, Thole D, Corsi FM, Bartolo M, Marazzi MC. Pandemics and Burden of Stroke and Epilepsy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Experience from a Longstanding Health Programme. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052766. [PMID: 33803352 PMCID: PMC7967260 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Eighty percent of people with stroke live in low- to middle-income nations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where stroke has increased by more than 100% in the last decades. More than one-third of all epilepsy−related deaths occur in SSA. HIV infection is a risk factor for neurological disorders, including stroke and epilepsy. The vast majority of the 38 million people living with HIV/AIDS are in SSA, and the burden of neurological disorders in SSA parallels that of HIV/AIDS. Local healthcare systems are weak. Many standalone HIV health centres have become a platform with combined treatment for both HIV and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), as advised by the United Nations. The COVID-19 pandemic is overwhelming the fragile health systems in SSA, and it is feared it will provoke an upsurge of excess deaths due to the disruption of care for chronic diseases such as HIV, TB, hypertension, diabetes, and cerebrovascular disorders. Disease Relief through Excellent and Advanced Means (DREAM) is a health programme active since 2002 to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS and related disorders in 10 SSA countries. DREAM is scaling up management of NCDs, including neurologic disorders such as stroke and epilepsy. We described challenges and solutions to address disruption and excess deaths from these diseases during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Leone
- The Foundation of the Carlo Besta IRCCS Neurologic Institute, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-2394-2304; Fax: +39-02-2394-4057
| | - Fausto Ciccacci
- UniCamillus Saint Camillus International, University of Health Sciences, 00100 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Sandro Petrolati
- San Camillo Hospital Department of Cardioscience, 00100 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Guidotti
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Roma 1 Regione Lazio, 00100 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Victor Tamba Tolno
- Community of S. Egidio DREAM Program, Blantyre 312224, Malawi; (V.T.T.); (J.S.)
| | - JeanBaptiste Sagno
- Community of S. Egidio DREAM Program, Blantyre 312224, Malawi; (V.T.T.); (J.S.)
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Dusabimana A, Mandro MN, Siewe Fodjo JN, Dolo H, Coenen S, Colebunders R. Community perceptions and attitudes regarding epilepsy and disease cost after implementation of a community-based epilepsy treatment program in onchocerciasis-endemic communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 116:107773. [PMID: 33515932 PMCID: PMC7960634 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In October 2017, a community-based epilepsy treatment program (CBETP) was initiated in the Logo health zone (Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo), consisting mainly of community epilepsy education, provision of free antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and monthly follow-up of persons with epilepsy (PWE). Prior to the implementation of the CBETP, qualitative research had revealed several misconceptions about the cause of epilepsy, major epilepsy-related stigma, and high economic cost for families of PWE mainly because of costly treatment by traditional healers. One year after the implementation of the CBETP, we assessed the perceived effect of this program on the community's perceptions and attitudes regarding epilepsy and on disease costs. METHODS Focus group discussions (FGD) and semi-structured in-depth interviews (SSI) were conducted with different target groups. Additionally, the cost associated with epilepsy was evaluated using questionnaires administered to 74 PWE and/or their families. RESULTS Nine FGDs and 16 SSIs were conducted. There was a notable shift in perceptions and attitudes, as most community members no longer believed that epilepsy is contagious, while acknowledging that this condition can be treated in local health centers. Persons with epilepsy and their family experienced less epilepsy-related stigma and consulted less frequently traditional healers; the latter showed a growing willingness to collaborate with health professionals in the management of PWE. The direct and indirect costs for families caring for a PWE decreased by 95.2% and 95.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION The main perceived benefits of the CBETP were the decrease in misconceptions about epilepsy and epilepsy-related stigma. Families with PWE understood the benefit of seeking health care from trained health professionals rather than with traditional healers. The direct and indirect costs for families to take care of a PWE reduced considerably after the program. However, the cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability of this approach remain to be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Dusabimana
- Global Health Institute (GHI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Doornstraat 331, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Michel Ndahura Mandro
- Provincial Health Division Ituri, Ministry of Health, Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo.
| | - Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo
- Global Health Institute (GHI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Doornstraat 331, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Husseini Dolo
- Filariasis Unit, International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali.
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (FAMPOP), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Doornstraat 331, 2610 Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium; Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium.
| | - Robert Colebunders
- Global Health Institute (GHI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Doornstraat 331, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Govil N, Chahal S, Gupta N, Kaloti AS, Nadda A, Singh P. Factors Associated with Poor Antiepileptic Drugs Adherence in Below Poverty Line Persons with Epilepsy: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2021; 12:95-101. [PMID: 33531765 PMCID: PMC7846329 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AED) is essential for adequate seizure control in epilepsy. People with low socioeconomic status are more vulnerable to poor adherence to AED. The present study aimed to explore factors associated with poor adherence to antiepileptic drugs in below poverty line (BPL) persons with epilepsy (PWE).
Methods
The research had a cross-sectional design with inclusion of persons aged 18 to 65 years and an established diagnosis of epilepsy. Holding a BPL card (Yellow card) was taken as a measure for BPL criteria. Adherence to antiepileptic drugs was assessed using medication adherence rating scale (MARS). Univariate analysis with Chi-square test was used to determine the association between various variables and AED adherence, while the predictors of adherence were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results
There was a total of 88 BPL PWE. The mean age of male and female patients was 35.0 ± 15.0 & 32.0 ± 10.1 years, respectively. Adherence for drugs were found to be 30.7% and nonadherence to be 44.3%. Low (illiterate or primary) education (OR 0.041 [0.01–0.21]), polytherapy (OR 0.088 [0.02–0.40]), and substance abuse (OR 0.05 [0.01–0.58]) were found to have significant association with nonadherence to AEDs. Age, gender, marital status, family composition, occupation, rural urban background, distance from health care facility, duration of epilepsy, and side effects of AED were not found to have significant association with adherence.
Conclusion
There is a need for psychoeducational programs for the people having low education status and polytherapy to form positive beliefs in AEDs. Substance abuse should also be addressed while treating them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Govil
- Department of General Medicine, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC), Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Savita Chahal
- Department of Psychiatry, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC), Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Nishu Gupta
- Department of Paediatrics, PGIMER Satellite Centre Sangrur, Punjab, India
| | - Amandeep Singh Kaloti
- Department of General Medicine, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC), Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Anuradha Nadda
- Department of Community Medicine, Gian Sagar Medical College, Banur, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Parmal Singh
- Department of Community Medicine, Adesh Medical College, Ambla, Haryana, India
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Chakraborty P, Sanchez NA, Kaddumukasa M, Kajumba M, Kakooza-Mwesige A, Van Noord M, Kaddumukasa MN, Nakasujja N, Haglund MM, Koltai DC. Stigma reduction interventions for epilepsy: A systematized literature review. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 114:107381. [PMID: 32883610 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy is a disease that is stigmatized globally. Several studies have introduced sensitization efforts to reduce stigma towards people with epilepsy (PWE) in various settings. Although sensitization efforts have shown some evidence of improved attitudes towards epilepsy, progress has been limited. This systematized literature review summarizes the existing literature concerning interventions that reduce stigma towards PWE. By conducting an overview of existing interventions, we aimed to consolidate knowledge and outcomes of existing efforts as well as highlight gaps and directions for future interventions. METHODS We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Embase for English-language studies published between January 1, 1970 and November 15, 2017 that focused on stigma reduction strategies for PWE in any global setting. Studies were included if they described a stigma reduction intervention for epilepsy. Studies were excluded if they were reviews, editorials, conference proceedings, abstracts, or did not discuss a stigma reduction intervention. We thematically grouped studies based on type(s) of intervention(s) addressed and summarized interventions, outcome measures, and results for each study included in the review. RESULTS Of the 1975 initial citations, 32 studies met our inclusion criteria. Interventions clustered into four broad categories including public awareness interventions, policy-based interventions, school-based interventions, and interventions that targeted PWE themselves as well as their caregivers and peers. Efficacy of these interventions as reported by the authors was mixed. Many studies did not use validated outcome measures to assess stigma. CONCLUSIONS Although intervention efforts have been made towards epilepsy stigma reduction at many levels, stigma towards and discrimination against PWE prevail worldwide. About 75% of the studies included in this review were conducted in high-income countries (HICs) despite the disproportional need in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Furthermore, robust outcome measures to assess efficacy in stigma reduction for interventions are lacking, calling into question the validity of reported outcomes for both positive and null findings. Therefore, more work is needed in both developing effective stigma reduction strategies, especially in LMICs, and validating tools to measure their efficacy. This article is part of the Special Issue "The Intersection of Culture, Resources, and Disease: Epilepsy Care in Uganda".
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Affiliation(s)
- Payal Chakraborty
- Duke Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Box 3807 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nadine A Sanchez
- Duke Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Box 3807 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mark Kaddumukasa
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mayanja Kajumba
- Department of Mental Health and Community Psychology, Makerere University School of Psychology, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Angelina Kakooza-Mwesige
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago Hill Road, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Unit, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Megan Van Noord
- Duke University Medical Center Library, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Martin N Kaddumukasa
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Medicine, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Neurology Unit, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michael M Haglund
- Duke Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Box 3807 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA; Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, NC, USA; Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Deborah C Koltai
- Duke Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Box 3807 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA; Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Impact of clinical pharmacist managed patient counselling on the knowledge and adherence to antiepileptic drug therapy. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2020.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Jothi A, Ramamoorthy L, Nair PP. The Effect of Comprehensive Video-Assisted Epilepsy Education on Drug Adherence and Self-Care in People with Epilepsy. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2020; 11:538-544. [PMID: 33144788 PMCID: PMC7595793 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder which needs proper drug adherence and follow-up care to control the recurrent seizure events as one of the most common reasons for “breakthrough” seizures is nonadherence to antiepileptic drugs. In addition to usual therapeutic management, patients are encouraged to involve in epilepsy self-management by understanding the nature of the disease and its control measures to prevent the complications.
Methods
A single group experimental design (pretest–posttest) was conducted to evaluate the effect of comprehensive video-assisted teaching program on self-care efficacy and level of knowledge of patients with epilepsy. Data was collected by direct interview with Epilepsy Self-Management Scale and epilepsy knowledge questionnaire. A video-assisted teaching covering all aspects of epilepsy was given on the day of pretest. At the interval of 3 months, the level of drug adherence, self-care, and knowledge level were assessed.
Results
Majority of the study participants (47.1%) belonged to the age group between 19 and 30 years, 54.3% participants were male, majority of them (70%) had tonic-clonic seizure, and 40% of them reported the onset of seizures as above 20 years. Eighty-seven percent of participants had no family history of seizures or epilepsy. Note that 38.6% of the participants had at least one seizure episode/month. Majority of the caregivers were either parents (41.4%) or spouse (48.6%). The study revealed that, following video-assisted teaching, the proportion of participants with adequate knowledge has increased from 14 to 64.3%. Similarly, the percentage of participants who had good drug adherence increased from 52 to 65% and no participant had poor drug adherence. Participants who had high level of self-care increased from 71.4 to 88.6%.
Conclusion
To overcome the poor drug adherence-related complications, people with epilepsy are to be personally educated adequately to increase the factual information about the condition and their self-care practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arul Jothi
- College of Nursing, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - Lakshmi Ramamoorthy
- College of Nursing, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - Pradeep P Nair
- Department of Neurology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
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Al-Aqeel S, Gershuni O, Al-Sabhan J, Hiligsmann M. Strategies for improving adherence to antiepileptic drug treatment in people with epilepsy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 10:CD008312. [PMID: 33089492 PMCID: PMC8092477 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008312.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor adherence to antiepileptic medication is associated with increased mortality, morbidity and healthcare costs. In this review, we focus on interventions designed and tested in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs to assist people with adherence to antiepileptic medication. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2011, and last updated in 2017. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving adherence to antiepileptic medication in adults and children with epilepsy. SEARCH METHODS For the latest update, we searched the following databases on 18 February 2020: Cochrane Register of Studies (CRS Web), MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus and PsycINFO. CRS Web includes RCTs or quasi-RCTs from PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), CENTRAL, and the Specialized Registers of Cochrane Review Groups including Epilepsy. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles. SELECTION CRITERIA RCTs and quasi-RCTs of adherence-enhancing interventions aimed at people with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy (as defined in individual studies), of any age and treated with antiepileptic drugs in a primary care, outpatient or other community setting. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS All review authors independently assessed lists of potentially relevant citations and abstracts. At least two review authors independently extracted data and performed a quality assessment of each study according to the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias. We graded the level of evidence for each outcome according to GRADE. The studies differed widely according to the type of intervention and measures of adherence; therefore combining data was not appropriate. MAIN RESULTS We included 20 studies reporting data on 2832 participants. Thirteen studies targeted adults with epilepsy, one study included participants of all ages, one study included participants older than two years, one recruited pediatric patients aged between 1 month to 15 years, one study targeted caregivers of children with epilepsy, one targeted adolescents and caregivers, and two studies targeted families of children with epilepsy. We identified three ongoing studies. Follow-up time was generally short in most studies, ranging from 1 to 12 months. The studies examined three main types of interventions: educational interventions, behavioural interventions and mixed interventions. All but three studies compared treatment with usual care or 'no intervention'. Due to heterogeneity between studies in terms of interventions, methods used to measure adherence and the way the studies were reported, we did not pool the results and these findings were inappropriate to be included in a meta-analysis. Education and counselling of participants with epilepsy had mixed success (moderate-certainty evidence). Behavioural interventions such as the use of intensive reminders provided more favourable effects on adherence (moderate-certainty evidence). The effect on adherence to antiepileptic drugs described by studies of mixed interventions showed improved adherence in the intervention groups compared to the control groups (high-certainty evidence). Eleven studies described seizure frequency or seizure severity or both, with four of them, reporting improved adherence and decreased seizure frequency in the intervention groups (moderate-certainty evidence). Findings related to self-efficacy and quality of life were mixed, with no clear pattern across types of intervention. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Behavioural interventions such as intensive reminders and the use of mixed interventions demonstrate some positive results, however, we need more reliable evidence on their efficacy, derived from carefully-designed RCTs before we can draw a firm conclusion. None of the newly included studies have provided additional information that would lead to significant changes in our conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinaa Al-Aqeel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Olga Gershuni
- Department of International Health, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jawza Al-Sabhan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mickael Hiligsmann
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Wagner RG, Kabudula CW, Forsgren L, Ibinda F, Lindholm L, Kahn K, Tollman S, Newton CR. Epilepsy care cascade, treatment gap and its determinants in rural South Africa. Seizure 2020; 80:175-180. [PMID: 32593141 PMCID: PMC7443697 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most people with active convulsive epilepsy in rural South Africa are diagnosed. Most individuals diagnosed have some blood level of anti-seizure medication. Most individuals do not have optimal levels of medication. The epilepsy treatment gap is high in rural South Africa, especially in children. Identifying the epilepsy care cascade may better allow for targeting of interventions.
Purpose The percentage of people who are diagnosed with epilepsy (diagnostic gap), access, receive and adhere (treatment gap) to anti-seizure medication (ASM) in low- and middle- income countries remains low. We explored the epilepsy care cascade, measured the diagnostic and treatment gaps, and examined socio-demographic factors associated with adherence to ASMs in rural South Africa. Methods Utilizing a population-based cohort of 311 people with active convulsive epilepsy (ACE) residing in rural northeastern South Africa, a questionnaire was administered to examine associations between demographic and socioeconomic factors and the epilepsy treatment gap. Blood was taken to measure levels of ASMs. Results Of the 311 individuals diagnosed, 93 % of individuals reported being previously told they had epilepsy and 94 % reported previously attending a health facility for their epilepsy. ASMs were detected in 138 individuals (76 %) and optimal levels were detected in 67 individuals, resulting in a treatment gap of 63 % (95 % confidence interval [95 %CI]: 56 %–70 %). Self-reported specificity of ASM use was 23 % (95 %CI: 12–39 %) and individuals ≥18 years were significantly more likely to report taking ASM than children and were significantly (p = 0.011) more likely to be adherent. Conclusion Most people with epilepsy in rural South Africa had been previously diagnosed with epilepsy and had accessed care for epilepsy, yet the level of ASM adherence remained low, significantly lower amongst children. Understanding ways of improving knowledge of and adherence to ASM in rural South Africa is necessary, especially amongst children. The epilepsy care cascade can be useful in identifying gaps in care and targeting interventions to reduce these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan G Wagner
- Studies of Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Demographic Surveillance Systems (SEEDS) - INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Clinical Science, Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Chodziwadziwa W Kabudula
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lars Forsgren
- Department of Clinical Science, Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fredrick Ibinda
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Lars Lindholm
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
| | - Stephen Tollman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
| | - Charles R Newton
- Studies of Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Demographic Surveillance Systems (SEEDS) - INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kilifi, Kenya; Neurosciences Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Braga P, Mifsud J, D'Souza C, Clarke M, Honein A, Tovuudorj A, Pfäfflin M. Education and epilepsy: Examples of good practice and cooperation. Report of the IBE Commission on Education. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 103:106653. [PMID: 31761687 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Education for patients, for families, for professionals, and for officials is one of the most important tools for improving knowledge about epilepsy and fighting discrimination. There are many educational initiatives worldwide, but they are often known only at a local level. Studies on epilepsy educational programs are rare and therefore published to a limited extent. The newly established International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) Education Commission enforces the exchange of educational activities and best practices, discussing education content and topics, target groups, and their educational needs, timing, tutors, and funding. A brief review of examples of all continents will be given. The needs for studies and for more exchange and closer cooperation will be addressed with proposals for further actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Braga
- Neurological Institute, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Janet Mifsud
- Dep. of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Univ. of Malta Msida, Malta
| | | | - Marina Clarke
- National Office Epilepsy, IBE Chapter, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Arlette Honein
- AVANCE - School and Association for children with epilepsy and special needs, Lebanon
| | - Avirmed Tovuudorj
- Dep. of Neurology, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Mongolia
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Singh G, Sharma M, Krishnan A, Dua T, d'Aniello F, Manzoni S, Sander JW. Models of community-based primary care for epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries. Neurology 2020; 94:165-175. [PMID: 31919114 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000008839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review systematically community-based primary care interventions for epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries to rationalize approaches and outcome measures in relation to epilepsy care in these countries. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Global Index Medicus, CINAHL, and Web of Science was undertaken to identify trials and implementation of provision of antiseizure medications, adherence reinforcement, and/or health care provider or community education in community-based samples of epilepsy. Data on populations addressed, interventions, and outcomes were extracted from eligible articles. RESULTS The 24 reports identified comprise mostly care programs addressing active convulsive epilepsy. Phenobarbital has been used most frequently, although other conventional antiseizure medications (ASMs) have also been used, but none of the newer. Tolerability rates in these studies are high, but overall attrition is considerable. Other approaches include updating primary health care providers, reinforcing treatment adherence in clinics, and raising community awareness. In these programs, the coverage of existing treatment gap in the community, epilepsy-related mortality, and comorbidity burden are only fleetingly addressed. None, however, explicitly describe sustainability plans. CONCLUSIONS Cost-free provision, mostly of phenobarbital, has resulted in short-term seizure freedom in roughly half of the people with epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries. Future programs should include a range of ASMs. These should cover apart from seizure control and treatment adherence, primary health care provider education, community awareness, and referral protocols for specialist care. Programs should incorporate impact assessment at the local level. Sustainability in the long term as much as resilience and scalability should be addressed in future initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Singh
- From the Department of Neurology (G.S.), Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India; Division of Non-Communicable Diseases (M.S.), Indian Council of Medical Research; Department of Community Medicine (A.K.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; Mental Health Division (T.D.), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery (F.d'.A.), University of Naples Federico II, ; University of Campania (S.M.), Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (G.S., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (G.S., J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, United Kingdom; and Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, Netherlands
| | - Meenakshi Sharma
- From the Department of Neurology (G.S.), Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India; Division of Non-Communicable Diseases (M.S.), Indian Council of Medical Research; Department of Community Medicine (A.K.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; Mental Health Division (T.D.), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery (F.d'.A.), University of Naples Federico II, ; University of Campania (S.M.), Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (G.S., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (G.S., J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, United Kingdom; and Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, Netherlands
| | - Anand Krishnan
- From the Department of Neurology (G.S.), Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India; Division of Non-Communicable Diseases (M.S.), Indian Council of Medical Research; Department of Community Medicine (A.K.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; Mental Health Division (T.D.), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery (F.d'.A.), University of Naples Federico II, ; University of Campania (S.M.), Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (G.S., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (G.S., J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, United Kingdom; and Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, Netherlands
| | - Tarun Dua
- From the Department of Neurology (G.S.), Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India; Division of Non-Communicable Diseases (M.S.), Indian Council of Medical Research; Department of Community Medicine (A.K.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; Mental Health Division (T.D.), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery (F.d'.A.), University of Naples Federico II, ; University of Campania (S.M.), Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (G.S., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (G.S., J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, United Kingdom; and Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, Netherlands
| | - Francesco d'Aniello
- From the Department of Neurology (G.S.), Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India; Division of Non-Communicable Diseases (M.S.), Indian Council of Medical Research; Department of Community Medicine (A.K.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; Mental Health Division (T.D.), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery (F.d'.A.), University of Naples Federico II, ; University of Campania (S.M.), Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (G.S., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (G.S., J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, United Kingdom; and Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, Netherlands
| | - Sara Manzoni
- From the Department of Neurology (G.S.), Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India; Division of Non-Communicable Diseases (M.S.), Indian Council of Medical Research; Department of Community Medicine (A.K.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; Mental Health Division (T.D.), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery (F.d'.A.), University of Naples Federico II, ; University of Campania (S.M.), Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (G.S., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (G.S., J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, United Kingdom; and Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, Netherlands
| | - Josemir W Sander
- From the Department of Neurology (G.S.), Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India; Division of Non-Communicable Diseases (M.S.), Indian Council of Medical Research; Department of Community Medicine (A.K.), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; Mental Health Division (T.D.), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery (F.d'.A.), University of Naples Federico II, ; University of Campania (S.M.), Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (G.S., J.W.S.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (G.S., J.W.S.), Chalfont St Peter, United Kingdom; and Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) (J.W.S.), Heemstede, Netherlands.
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Mogal Z, Aziz H. Epilepsy treatment gap and stigma reduction in Pakistan: A tested public awareness model. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 102:106637. [PMID: 31805506 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
High epilepsy treatment gap (ETG) and stigma remain a major issue globally. Addressing the basic problems is necessary, for advances in management to be effective. According to the 1987 population-based study, prevalence of active epilepsy in Pakistan is 0.98% with 98.1% ETG in rural and 72.5% in urban population and the presence of stigma. These dismal figures were a stimulus for our reported activities. Recognizing the problems faced by 2.2 million people with epilepsy (PWE) in the country, a group of volunteers mostly from the medical community has attempted to address these issues with an ongoing sustained awareness program over the last 18 years, working within the constraints of prevailing healthcare system, with gratifying results. In 2001, under a nongovernmental organization (NGO), the Comprehensive Epilepsy Control Programme of Pakistan (CECP) was launched to address the various paucities in knowledge, attitude, and practice about epilepsy; especially ETG and stigma. The CECP has two primary components: Epilepsy Support Pakistan (CECP-ESP) for awareness and mass education and National Epilepsy Centre (CECP-NEC) for holistic management of PWE, professional education, and research. Both work in tandem, and there is an overlap of their activities. This article only evaluates the outcome of sustained awareness activities of the CECP-ESP, through direct and indirect measures after 5 years of its initiation. A significant reduction in ETG and stigma exclusively through public awareness has been possible. This model can be easily replicated by any country, with involvement of the local population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarine Mogal
- National Epilepsy Centre, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Rafiqui Shaheed Road, Karachi 75510, Pakistan.
| | - Hasan Aziz
- National Epilepsy Centre, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Rafiqui Shaheed Road, Karachi 75510, Pakistan
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Awareness and attitudes toward persons with epilepsy among teachers: A Moroccan study. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 102:106633. [PMID: 31816481 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many studies performed in Morocco showed an important lack of knowledge about epilepsy among persons with epilepsy and their families. The misconceptions about the disease are a source of suffering for both patients and their families and increase the costs of epilepsy care. We conducted this investigation for assessing the origins of misinterpretation of the disease in the Moroccan society. OBJECTIVES The teachers' knowledge about epilepsy in the Fez-Meknes region in Morocco and their attitudes toward a person with epilepsy constitute the two major objectives of this study. We also assessed the impact of sociocultural parameters on Moroccan teachers' knowledge and attitudes toward a person with epilepsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS The data collection was based on the "Attitudes Toward Persons with Epilepsy" (ATPE) test. RESULTS The study showed a positive correlation between the level of teachers' knowledge of epilepsy and their attitudes toward a person with epilepsy. The results revealed the persistence of negative attitudes toward a person with epilepsy among teachers. The level of ATPE of teachers in Morocco was lower compared to high-middle income countries. CONCLUSION There is still poor knowledge about epilepsy among teachers in Morocco. This unawareness is negatively affecting teachers' attitudes toward a person with epilepsy. Hence, we recommend integrating epilepsy in teaching and training programs of teachers in the Moroccan educational system.
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Contextualizing and pilot testing the Mental Health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) to primary healthcare workers in Kilifi, Kenya. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2020; 7:e11. [PMID: 32742669 PMCID: PMC7379318 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2020.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little data exists about the methodology of contextualizing version two of the Mental Health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) in resource-poor settings. This paper describes the contextualisation and pilot testing of the guide in Kilifi, Kenya. METHODS Contextualisation was conducted as a collaboration between the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) and Kilifi County Government's Department of Health (KCGH) between 2016 and 2018. It adapted a mixed-method design and involved a situational analysis, stakeholder engagement, local adaptation and pilot testing of the adapted guide. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis to identify key facilitators and barriers to the implementation process. Pre- and post-training scores of the adapted guide were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS Human resource for mental health in Kilifi is strained with limited infrastructure and outdated legislation. Barriers to implementation included few specialists for referral, unreliable drug supply, difficulty in translating the guide to Kiswahili language, lack of clarity of the roles of KWTRP and KCGH in the implementation process and the unwillingness of the biomedical practitioners to collaborate with traditional health practitioners to enhance referrals to hospital. In the adaptation process, stakeholders recommended the exclusion of child and adolescent mental and behavioural problems, as well as dementia modules from the final version of the guide. Pilot testing of the adapted guide showed a significant improvement in the post-training scores: 66.3% (95% CI 62.4-70.8) v. 76.6% (95% CI 71.6-79.2) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The adapted mhGAP-IG version two can be used across coastal Kenya to train primary healthcare providers. However, successful implementation in Kilifi will require a review of new evidence on the burden of disease, improvements in the mental health system and sustained dialogue among stakeholders.
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Bitta MA, Kariuki SM, Gona J, Abubakar A, Newton CRJC. Priority mental, neurological and substance use disorders in rural Kenya: Traditional health practitioners' and primary health care workers' perspectives. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220034. [PMID: 31335915 PMCID: PMC6650073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over 75% of people with mental neurological and substance use disorders (MNSD) live in low and middle-income countries with limited access to specialized care. The World Health Organization’s Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP) aims to address the human resource gap but it requires contextualization. Aims We conducted a qualitative study in rural coastal Kenya to explore the local terms, perceived causes and management modalities of priority MNSD listed in the mhGAP, to inform implementation in this setting. Methods We conducted 8 focus group discussions with primary health care providers and traditional health practitioners and used the framework method to conduct thematic analysis. We identified local terms, perceived causes and treatment options for MNSD. We also explored possibilities for collaboration between the traditional health practitioners and primary health care providers. Results We found local terms for depression, psychoses, epilepsy, disorders due to substance use and self-harm/ suicide but none for dementia. Child and adolescent mental and behavioral problems were not regarded as MNSD but consequences of poor parenting. Self-harm/suicide was recognized in the context of other MNSD. Causes of MNSD were broadly either biological or supernatural. Treatment options were dependent on perceived cause of illness. Most traditional health practitioners were willing to collaborate with primary health care providers mainly through referring cases. Primary health care providers were unwilling to collaborate with traditional health practitioners because they perceived them to contribute to worsening of patients’ prognoses. Conclusions Local terms and management modalities are available for some priority MNSD in this setting. Community level case detection and referral may be hindered by lack of collaboration between traditional health practitioners and primary health care providers. There is need for training on the recognition and management of all priority MNSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A. Bitta
- Tropical Neurosciences, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Symon M. Kariuki
- Tropical Neurosciences, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Gona
- Tropical Neurosciences, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Amina Abubakar
- Tropical Neurosciences, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kilifi, Kenya
- Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles R. J. C. Newton
- Tropical Neurosciences, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Samia P, Hassell J, Hudson JA, Murithi MK, Kariuki SM, Newton CR, Wilmshurst JM. Epilepsy diagnosis and management of children in Kenya: review of current literature. Res Rep Trop Med 2019; 10:91-102. [PMID: 31388319 PMCID: PMC6607977 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s201159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The growing impact of non-communicable diseases in low- to middle-income countries makes epilepsy a key research priority. We evaluated peer-reviewed published literature on childhood epilepsy specific to Kenya to identify knowledge gaps and inform future priorities. Methodology: A literature search utilizing the terms “epilepsy” OR “seizure” as exploded subject headings AND “Kenya” was conducted. Relevant databases were searched, generating 908 articles. After initial screening to remove duplications, irrelevant articles, and publications older than 15 years, 154 papers remained for full-article review, which identified 35 publications containing relevant information. Data were extracted from these reports on epidemiology, etiology, clinical features, management, and outcomes. Results: The estimated prevalence of lifetime epilepsy in children was 21–41 per 1,000, while the incidence of active convulsive epilepsy was 39–187 cases per 100,000 children per year. The incidence of acute seizures was 312–879 per 100,000 children per year and neonatal seizures 3,950 per 100,000 live births per year. Common risk factors for both epilepsy and acute seizures included adverse perinatal events, meningitis, malaria, febrile seizures, and family history of epilepsy. Electroencephalography abnormalities were documented in 20%–41% and neurocognitive comorbidities in more than half. Mortality in children admitted with acute seizures was 3%–6%, and neurological sequelae were identified in 31% following convulsive status epilepticus. Only 7%–29% children with epilepsy were on antiseizure medication. Conclusion: Active convulsive epilepsy is a common condition among Kenyan children, remains largely untreated, and leads to extremely poor outcomes. The high proportion of epilepsy attributable to preventable causes, in particular neonatal morbidity, contributes significantly to the lifetime burden of the condition. This review reaffirms the ongoing need for better public awareness of epilepsy as a treatable disease and for national-level action that targets both prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Samia
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jane Hassell
- Gertrude's Children's Hospital, Child development Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Symon M Kariuki
- Kemri-Wellcome Trust Collaborative Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Charles R Newton
- Kemri-Wellcome Trust Collaborative Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Jo M Wilmshurst
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
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Samia P. Improving outcomes for children with neurodisability in East Africa. Dev Med Child Neurol 2019; 61:621. [PMID: 31049944 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Jones C, Atkinson P, Helen Cross J, Reilly C. Knowledge of and attitudes towards epilepsy among teachers: A systematic review. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 87:59-68. [PMID: 30173018 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to systematically review research that has focused on knowledge of and attitudes towards epilepsy among teachers. Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library databases from 2000 to 2017 were searched. Cross-sectional and interventional studies were included and analyzed for quality. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes in the results. Fifty-four eligible studies (17,256 total participants in 27 different countries) were identified in the search period including seven studies that focused on assessing attitudes and knowledge before and after an educational intervention. It was not possible to systematically analyze levels of knowledge and nature of attitudes because of the wide variety of mostly bespoke study specific instruments used. Few studies employed valid and reliable instruments. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes in the results: 1.) deficits in knowledge and negative attitudes were pervasive across all studies; 2.) teachers often had a negative attitude towards participation of children with epilepsy in physical activities/sport; and 3.) teachers often expressed limited knowledge of seizure management/emergency procedures. There was a lower level of knowledge and more negative attitudes among teachers towards epilepsy compared with other conditions. All studies focusing on interventions showed that at least some aspects of knowledge and attitudes improved as a result of teacher participation in an educational intervention, but study quality was universally rated as low. A higher level of education and experience of teaching a child with epilepsy was significantly associated with greater knowledge in a number of studies. Additionally, having experience of teaching a child with epilepsy and greater assessed knowledge of epilepsy were associated with more positive attitudes. The wide range of methods used makes it difficult to generalize regarding level of attitudes and knowledge among teachers towards epilepsy. Nevertheless, all studies indicate that there are some deficits in knowledge of and negative attitudes towards epilepsy among teachers. It would appear that knowledge and attitudes can be improved by educational interventions. Future research should focus on developing psychometrically sound assessment instruments that can be used globally and on identifying the most effective ways of delivering efficacious educational initiatives employing robust study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Jones
- Research Department, Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Patricia Atkinson
- Child Development Centre, Crawley Hospital, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 7DH, UK
| | - J Helen Cross
- Research Department, Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Colin Reilly
- Research Department, Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
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Gona JK, Newton CR, Hartley S, Bunning K. Persons with disabilities as experts-by experience: using personal narratives to affect community attitudes in Kilifi, Kenya. BMC INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS 2018; 18:18. [PMID: 29739403 PMCID: PMC5941597 DOI: 10.1186/s12914-018-0158-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The last decade has seen improved public awareness of disability in sub-Saharan Africa. However, negative and stereotypical views of disability still persist in many communities. We conducted a study to promote awareness of disability in rural Kenya, using a process of reflection and education. This paper reports on the second aspect - education. The research question was: How can personal narratives of living with disability affect community attitudes and responses to disability? METHODS A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted. Twenty community-based groups involving 249 participants took part. Each group participated in one focus group discussion at baseline, to explore the members' personal experiences and views of disability. The intervention involved three adults with disabilities sharing their personal narratives with each group. After the intervention, repeat focus group discussions were conducted with each group. Thematic analysis was carried out according to the framework method. RESULTS The emergent framework consisted of four main themes, organised as opposing constructs: 'burden' and 'agency', 'sub-human' and 'human'. 'Burden' focused on the perceived hopelessness of the situation. Post-intervention revealed greater support for the 'agency' of persons with disabilities, evidenced by what the person could do, rather than their inability, and the relevance of support. The 'sub-human' to 'human' construct captured dehumanising and discriminating practice towards persons with disabilities on one side, and recognition of the person and inclusion in the community on the other. Whilst support and empathy were evident at the pre-intervention stage, post-intervention revealed greater recognition of people with disabilities as fellow human beings. CONCLUSION This study provides a proof of concept regarding the deployment of persons with disabilities as agents for change. Exposure to experts-by-experience provided community groups with opportunities to reflect on, examine and adjust their views on disability in this rural part of Kenya. The sharing of personal narratives appeared to resonate with group members, to encourage recognition of the person and not just the disability, and to move their resolve toward ideas for collective action. Further research is needed to assess the effects of such interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K Gona
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.
| | - Charles R Newton
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.,Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Sally Hartley
- Sydney University, Sydney, Australia.,University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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Jost J, Moyano LM, Auditeau E, Boumediene F, Ratsimbazafy V, Preux PM. Interventional programs to improve therapeutic management of people with epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 80:337-345. [PMID: 29398627 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the current status of initiatives carried out in developing countries to improve therapeutic management of people with epilepsy. METHODS A literature review was performed in 2015 to identify and analyze interventional programs carried out in countries with low- and middle-income economies. Electronic databases were reviewed with no time restriction. Each intervention was categorized according to the level of evidence achieved (A: blind randomized controlled trial, B: randomized controlled trial, C1: randomized trial, C2: controlled trial, D: prospective cohort, E: retrospective evaluation). RESULTS A total of 46 intervention projects were identified, 13 with no quantitative assessment. The 31 remaining projects were carried out in 18 countries, 52% (16) in Africa, 42% (13) in Asia, and 6% (2) in Latin America. Among those, 13% (4) were level B, 3% (1) C1, 6% (2) C2, 74% (23) D, and 3% (1) were level E. The effectiveness of the intervention, assessed by the efficacy of antiepileptic drugs, was the primary objective in 81% (25). People with epilepsy were on average seizure-free in 44.6%±14.4% of cases at one year, ranging from 25.0% to 78.4%. At two years, on average 50.9%±29.7% are seizure-free, ranging from 4.6 to 92.7%. The median compliance was 79.3% with a minimum of 21.6% and a maximum of 100.0%. DISCUSSION No blind randomized controlled trial has been used to assess the efficacy of a program to improve access to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in developing countries, and the level of evidence was globally low. Phenobarbital remains the AED predominantly used in programs. Adherence to treatment management has been pointed out to be a key element in the success of a program, sometimes not sufficiently considered. Monthly supply of AEDs, at specific and community level, reducing the costs and time spent traveling, appeared to be the most effective strategies. Homogenization and standardization of evaluation practices of programs to improve the management of epilepsy in resource-limited settings would lead to comparison and meta-analysis which would ultimately improve strategies of support for not only epilepsy but also other noncommunicable diseases in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Jost
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Limoges, France; CHU Limoges, Department of Pharmacy, F-87000 Limoges, France.
| | - Luz Maria Moyano
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Limoges, France; Cysticercosis Elimination Program and Center for Global Health Tumbes, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Tumbes, Peru
| | - Emilie Auditeau
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Limoges, France
| | - Farid Boumediene
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Limoges, France.
| | - Voa Ratsimbazafy
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Limoges, France; CHU Limoges, Department of Pharmacy, F-87000 Limoges, France
| | - Pierre-Marie Preux
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Limoges, France.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to criticism that epilepsy care for children has little impact, healthcare professionals and administrators have developed various service models and strategies to address perceived inadequacies. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of any specialised or dedicated intervention for epilepsy versus usual care in children with epilepsy and in their families. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialized Register (27 September 2016), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 9) in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (1946 to 27 September 2016), Embase (1974 to 27 September 2016), PsycINFO (1887 to 27 September 2016) and CINAHL Plus (1937 to 27 September 2016). In addition, we also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing or recently completed trials, contacted experts in the field to seek information on unpublished and ongoing studies, checked the websites of epilepsy organisations and checked the reference lists of included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies or other prospective studies with a (matched or unmatched) control group (controlled before-and-after studies), or time series studies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS Our review included six interventions reported through seven studies (of which five studies were designed as RCTs). They reported on different education and counselling programmes for children and parents; teenagers and parents; or children, adolescents and their parents. Each programme showed some benefits for the well-being of children with epilepsy, but all had methodological flaws (e.g. in one of the studies designed as an RCT, randomisation failed), no single programme was independently evaluated with different study samples and no interventions were sufficiently homogeneous enough to be included in a meta-analysis,. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS While each of the programmes in this review showed some benefit to children with epilepsy, their impacts were extremely variable. No programme showed benefits across the full range of outcomes, and all studies had major methodological problems. At present there is insufficient evidence in favour of any single programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Fleeman
- University of LiverpoolLiverpool Reviews & Implementation Group2nd Floor, Sherrington BuildingsAshton StreetLiverpoolUKL69 3GE
| | - Peter M Bradley
- Public Health EnglandWest Wing, Victoria HouseCapital Park, FulbournCambridgeUKCB21 5XA
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Kind CJ, Newton CRJC, Kariuki SM. Prevalence, risk factors, and neurobehavioral comorbidities of epilepsy in Kenyan children. Epilepsia Open 2017; 2:388-399. [PMID: 29588970 PMCID: PMC5862110 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the prevalence, risk factors, clinical features, and neurobehavioral comorbidities of epilepsy and acute symptomatic seizures in school‐aged children in Kilifi, Kenya. Methods Randomly selected children (N = 11,223) were screened for epilepsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Those who screened positive were invited for further clinical, electroencephalographic (EEG), and neuropsychological evaluations. Prevalence was measured by dividing cases by screened population, providing Agresti–Coull confidence intervals (CIs). Prevalence ratios were computed using log binomial regression, and odds ratios (ORs) were computed using logistic regression; both were implemented with generalized linear models. Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other neurodevelopmental impairments were assessed in cases and controls. Results Prevalence of lifetime epilepsy was 20.9 per 1,000 (95% CI = 18.4–23.7), and that of active epilepsy was 11.5 per 1,000 (95% CI = 9.7–13.6). Prevalence of acute symptomatic seizures was 68.8 per 1,000 (95% CI = 64.2–73.6). Acute symptomatic seizures preceded a diagnosis of epilepsy in 8% of children. Of 98 children diagnosed with epilepsy, focal seizures were seen in 79%, abnormal EEG was seen in 39%, and 83% were not receiving antiepileptic drugs. Childhood absence epilepsy and Lennox–Gastaut epilepsy were the most easily identifiable epilepsy syndromes. Perinatal complications, previous hospitalization, geophagia, and snoring were risk factors for epilepsy. Family history of seizures, abnormal pregnancy, previous hospitalization, and snoring were risk factors for acute symptomatic seizures. Neurobehavioral comorbidities were present in 54% of subjects with lifetime epilepsy and in 3% of controls, with associations for individual comorbidities being statistically significant: ADHD (OR = 14.55, 95% CI = 7.54–28.06), ASD (OR = 36.83, 95% CI = 7.97–170.14), and cognitive impairments (OR = 14.55, 95% CI = 3.52–60.14). Significance The burden of seizure disorders in this area is higher than in locations in high‐income countries, and can be reduced by preventing risk factors. A comprehensive management plan for neurobehavioral comorbidities of epilepsy should be incorporated into standard epilepsy care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Kind
- St. Johns College University of Oxford Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Charles R J C Newton
- St. Johns College University of Oxford Oxford United Kingdom.,KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme Kilifi Kenya.,Department of Psychiatry University of Oxford Oxford United Kingdom
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Wojewodka G, Hurley S, Taylor SJC, Noble AJ, Ridsdale L, Goldstein LH. Implementation fidelity of a self-management course for epilepsy: method and assessment. BMC Med Res Methodol 2017; 17:100. [PMID: 28697723 PMCID: PMC5504680 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-017-0373-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex interventions such as self-management courses are difficult to evaluate due to the many interacting components. The way complex interventions are delivered can influence the effect they have for patients, and can impact the interpretation of outcomes of clinical trials. Implementation fidelity evaluates whether complex interventions are delivered according to protocol. Such assessments have been used for one-to-one psychological interventions; however, the science is still developing for group interventions. METHODS We developed and tested an instrument to measure implementation fidelity of a two-day self-management course for people with epilepsy, SMILE(UK). Using audio recordings, we looked at adherence and competence of course facilitators. Adherence was assessed by checklists. Competence was measured by scoring group interaction, an overall impression score and facilitator "didacticism". To measure "didacticism", we developed a novel way to calculate facilitator speech using computer software. Using this new instrument, implementation fidelity of SMILE(UK) was assessed on three modules of the course, for 28% of all courses delivered. RESULTS Using the instrument for adherence, scores from two independent raters showed substantial agreement with weighted Kappa of 0.67 and high percent agreement of 81.2%. For didacticism, the results from both raters were highly correlated with an intraclass coefficient of 0.97 (p < 0.0001). We found that the courses were delivered with a good level of adherence (> 50% of scored items received the maximum of 2 points) and high competence. Groups were interactive (mean score: 1.9-2.0 out of 2) and the overall impression was on average assessed as "good". Didacticism varied from 42% to 93% of total module time and was not associated with the other competence scores. CONCLUSION The instrument devised to measure implementation fidelity was reproducible and easy to use. The courses for the SMILE(UK) study were delivered with a good level of adherence to protocol while not compromising facilitator competence. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN57937389 .
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Affiliation(s)
- G Wojewodka
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - S Hurley
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - S J C Taylor
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - A J Noble
- Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - L Ridsdale
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - L H Goldstein
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK. .,King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, PO 77, The Henry Wellcome Building, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
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Smith A, McKinlay A, Wojewodka G, Ridsdale L. A systematic review and narrative synthesis of group self-management interventions for adults with epilepsy. BMC Neurol 2017. [PMID: 28623909 PMCID: PMC5474294 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-017-0893-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a serious and costly long-term condition that negatively affects quality of life, especially if seizures persist on medication. Studies show that people with epilepsy (PWE) want to learn more about the condition and some educational self-management courses have been trialled internationally. The objectives of this review were to evaluate research and summarise results on group self-management interventions for PWE. METHODS We searched Medline and PsycINFO for results published in English between 1995 and 2015. Only studies evaluating face-to-face, group interventions for adults with epilepsy were included. Heterogeneity in study outcomes prevented the carrying out of a meta-analysis; however, a Cochrane style review was undertaken. RESULTS We found eleven studies, nine of which were randomised controlled trials. There were variable standards of methodological reporting with some risk of bias. Seven of the studies used quality of life as an outcome, with four finding statistically significant improvements in mean total score. Two found an improvement in outcome subscales. One study included some additional semi-qualitative data. CONCLUSIONS We identified promising trends in the trials reviewed. In particular, there were significant improvements in quality of life scales and seizure frequency in many of the interventions. However, considerable heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes made comparison between the studies difficult. Courses that included psychological interventions and others that had a high number of sessions showed more effect than short educational courses. Furthermore, the evidence was predominantly from pilot studies with small sample sizes and short follow-up duration. Further research is needed to better evaluate the role of group self-management interventions in outpatient epilepsy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Smith
- GKT School of Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Alison McKinlay
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Academic Neuroscience Centre, King's College London, PO Box 57, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Gabriella Wojewodka
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Academic Neuroscience Centre, King's College London, PO Box 57, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Leone Ridsdale
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Academic Neuroscience Centre, King's College London, PO Box 57, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
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Ibinda F, Odermatt P, Kariuki SM, Kakooza-Mwesige A, Wagner RG, Owusu-Agyei S, Masanja H, Ngugi AK, Mbuba CK, Doku VCK, Neville BG, Sander JW, Newton CRJC. Magnitude and factors associated with nonadherence to antiepileptic drug treatment in Africa: A cross-sectional multisite study. Epilepsia Open 2017; 2:226-235. [PMID: 29588951 PMCID: PMC5719857 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The epilepsy treatment gap is large in low‐ and middle‐income countries, but the reasons behind nonadherence to treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) across African countries remain unclear. We investigated the extent to which AEDs are not taken and associated factors in people with active convulsive epilepsy (ACE) identified in cross‐sectional studies conducted in five African countries. Methods We approached 2,192 people with a confirmed diagnosis of ACE for consent to give blood voluntarily. Participants were asked if they were taking AEDs, and plasma drug concentrations were measured using a fluorescence polarization immunoassay analyzer. Information about possible risk factors was collected using questionnaire‐based clinical interviews. We determined factors associated with nonadherence to AED treatment in children and adults, as measured by detectable and optimal levels, using multilevel logistic regression. Results In 1,303 samples assayed (43.7% were children), AEDs were detected in 482, but only 287 had optimal levels. Of the 1,303 samples, 532 (40.8%) were from people who had reported they were on AEDs. The overall prevalence of nonadherence to treatment was 63.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 60.5–65.6%) as measured by detectable AED levels and 79.1% (95% CI 73.3–84.3%) as measured by optimal AED levels; self‐reported nonadherence was 65.1% (95% CI 45.0–79.5%). Nonadherence was significantly (p < 0.001) more common among the children than among adults for optimal and detectable levels of AEDs, as was the self‐reported nonadherence. In children, lack of previous hospitalization and learning difficulties were independently associated with nonadherence to treatment. In adults, history of delivery at home, absence of burn marks, and not seeking traditional medicine were independently associated with the nonadherence to AED treatment. Significance Only about 20% of people with epilepsy benefit fully from antiepileptic drugs in sub‐Saharan Africa, according to optimum AEDs levels. Children taking AEDs should be supervised to promote compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrick Ibinda
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast) Kenya Medical Research Institute Kilifi Kenya.,Studies of Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Demographic Surveillance Systems (SEEDS)-INDEPTH Network Accra Ghana
| | - Peter Odermatt
- Studies of Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Demographic Surveillance Systems (SEEDS)-INDEPTH Network Accra Ghana.,Department of Public Health and Epidemiology Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute Basel Switzerland.,University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Symon M Kariuki
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast) Kenya Medical Research Institute Kilifi Kenya.,Studies of Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Demographic Surveillance Systems (SEEDS)-INDEPTH Network Accra Ghana
| | - Angelina Kakooza-Mwesige
- Studies of Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Demographic Surveillance Systems (SEEDS)-INDEPTH Network Accra Ghana.,Iganga-Mayuge Health and Demographic Surveillance System Kampala Uganda.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health Makerere University College of Health Sciences Kampala Uganda
| | - Ryan G Wagner
- Studies of Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Demographic Surveillance Systems (SEEDS)-INDEPTH Network Accra Ghana.,MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt) School of Public Health Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa.,Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| | - Seth Owusu-Agyei
- Studies of Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Demographic Surveillance Systems (SEEDS)-INDEPTH Network Accra Ghana.,Kintampo Health Research Centre Kintampo Ghana
| | - Honorati Masanja
- Studies of Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Demographic Surveillance Systems (SEEDS)-INDEPTH Network Accra Ghana.,Ifakara Health InstituteI fakara Tanzania
| | - Anthony K Ngugi
- Studies of Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Demographic Surveillance Systems (SEEDS)-INDEPTH Network Accra Ghana.,Research Support Unit Faculty of Health Sciences Aga Khan University-East Africa Nairobi Kenya
| | - Caroline K Mbuba
- Department of Public Health School of Medicine and Health Sciences Kenya Methodist University Meru Kenya
| | - Victor C K Doku
- Studies of Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Demographic Surveillance Systems (SEEDS)-INDEPTH Network Accra Ghana.,Institute of Psychiatry Kings College London London United Kingdom
| | - Brian G Neville
- Studies of Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Demographic Surveillance Systems (SEEDS)-INDEPTH Network Accra Ghana.,Neurosciences Unit Institute of Child Health University College London London United Kingdom
| | - Josemir W Sander
- Studies of Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Demographic Surveillance Systems (SEEDS)-INDEPTH Network Accra Ghana.,NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre UCL Institute of Neurology Queen Square United Kingdom.,Epilepsy Society Chalfont St. Peter United Kingdom.,Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN) SW Heemstede the Netherlands
| | - Charles R J C Newton
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast) Kenya Medical Research Institute Kilifi Kenya.,Studies of Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Demographic Surveillance Systems (SEEDS)-INDEPTH Network Accra Ghana.,Neurosciences Unit Institute of Child Health University College London London United Kingdom.,Department of Psychiatry University of Oxford Oxford United Kingdom
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Ridsdale L, Philpott SJ, Krooupa AM, Morgan M. People with epilepsy obtain added value from education in groups: results of a qualitative study. Eur J Neurol 2017; 24:609-616. [PMID: 28181344 PMCID: PMC5396134 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose Having epilepsy requires individuals to learn about self‐management. So far, trials of self‐management courses have not included in‐depth qualitative evaluations of how the learning method influences participants’ perceptions and behaviour. We aimed to interview participants who had attended a course, as part of a randomized controlled trial, to examine: (i) their perceptions of what they valued and negative aspects of the intervention, and (ii) whether and in what ways they continued to make use of the training. Methods Twenty participants were selected within 6 months of undertaking a course from the larger randomized controlled trial conducted in England. Semi‐structured interviews were based on a topic guide. Results Participants’ characteristics were representative of the clinical and demographic characteristics of the trial group. Their mean age was 44 years, half were male, and three‐quarters had had epilepsy for over 10 years and had experienced one or more seizures in the previous month. Participants valued the opportunity to meet ‘people like them’. Structured learning methods encouraged them to share and compare feelings and experience. Specific benefits included: overcoming the sense of ‘being alone’ and improving self‐acceptance through meeting people with similar experience. Over half reported that this, and comparison of attitudes and experience, helped them to improve their confidence to talk openly, and make changes in health behaviours. Conclusions People feel socially isolated in long‐term poorly controlled epilepsy. They gain confidence and self‐acceptance from interactive groups. Expert‐facilitated courses that encourage experiential learning can help people learn from each other, and this may enhance self‐efficacy and behaviour change.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ridsdale
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - S J Philpott
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - A-M Krooupa
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - M Morgan
- King's College London, Division of Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK
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Al‐aqeel S, Gershuni O, Al‐sabhan J, Hiligsmann M. Strategies for improving adherence to antiepileptic drug treatment in people with epilepsy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 2:CD008312. [PMID: 28157274 PMCID: PMC6464338 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008312.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor adherence to antiepileptic medication is associated with increased mortality, morbidity and healthcare costs. In this review, we focus on interventions designed and tested in randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised controlled trials to assist people with adherence to antiepileptic medication. This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in the Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2010. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving adherence to antiepileptic medication in adults and children with epilepsy. SEARCH METHODS For the latest update, on 4 February 2016 we searched the Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialized Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) via the Cochrane Register of Studies Online (CRSO), MEDLINE (Ovid 1946 to 4 February 2016), CINAHL Plus (EBSCOhost 1937 to 4 February 2016), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost 1887 to 4 February 2016), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of adherence-enhancing interventions aimed at people with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy (as defined in individual studies), of any age and treated with antiepileptic drugs in a primary care, outpatient or other community setting. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS All review authors independently assessed lists of potentially relevant citations and abstracts. At least two review authors independently extracted data and performed quality assessment of each study according to the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias. We graded the level of evidence for each outcome according to the GRADE working group scale.The studies differed widely according to the type of intervention and measures of adherence; therefore combining data was not appropriate. MAIN RESULTS We included 12 studies reporting data on 1642 participants (intervention = 833, control = 809). Eight studies targeted adults with epilepsy, one study included participants of all ages, one study included participants older than two years, one study targeted caregivers of children with epilepsy, and one study targeted families of children with epilepsy. We identified six ongoing trials. Follow-up time was generally short in most trials, ranging from one to 12 months. The trials examined three main types of interventions: educational interventions, behavioural interventions and mixed interventions. All studies compared treatment versus usual care or 'no intervention', except for two studies. Due to heterogeneity between studies in terms of interventions, methods used to measure adherence and the way the studies were reported, we did not pool the results and these findings were inappropriate to be included in a meta-analysis. Education and counselling of participants with epilepsy resulted in mixed success (moderate-quality evidence). Behavioural interventions such as use of intensive reminders provided more favourable effects on adherence (moderate-quality evidence). The effect on adherence to antiepileptic drugs described by studies of mixed interventions showed improved adherence in the intervention groups compared to the control groups (high-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Behavioural interventions such as intensive reminders and the use of mixed interventions demonstrate some positive results; however, we need more reliable evidence on their efficacy, derived from carefully-designed randomised controlled trials before we can draw a firm conclusion. Since the last version of this review, none of the new relevant studies have provided additional information that would lead to significant changes in our conclusions. This current update includes 12 studies, of which six came from the latest searches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinaa Al‐aqeel
- King Saud UniversityDepartment of Clinical PharmacyRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Olga Gershuni
- School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI)Department of Health Services ResearchMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtNetherlands
| | - Jawza Al‐sabhan
- King Saud UniversityDepartment of Clinical PharmacyRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Mickael Hiligsmann
- School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI)Department of Health Services ResearchMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtNetherlands
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Ndounga Diakou LA, Ntoumi F, Ravaud P, Boutron I. Published randomized trials performed in Sub-Saharan Africa focus on high-burden diseases but are frequently funded and led by high-income countries. J Clin Epidemiol 2017; 82:29-36.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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AlAjmi R, Al-Aqeel S, Baz S. The impact of a pharmacist-led educational interview on medication adherence of Saudi patients with epilepsy. Patient Prefer Adherence 2017; 11:959-964. [PMID: 28572723 PMCID: PMC5441662 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s124028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effectiveness of a pharmacist-led educational interview in terms of adherence to antiepileptic drug administration among adult patients with epilepsy. METHOD Sixty adult patients with epilepsy who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited. A pharmacist-led educational interview was conducted with the intervention group (n=30). Patients in the control group (n=30) were interviewed and contacted 6 weeks after the initial visit without receiving any intervention. Antiepileptic drug adherence was measured during clinic visits, and 6 weeks afterwards using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. This prospective interventional study was conducted between September and December 2013. RESULTS Only 29 control patients and 27 intervention patients completed the 6 weeks post-intervention adherence measurement. The adherence score average in the intervention group was 5.26±0.98 at baseline and improved to 6.7±0.823 (P<0.0001) after intervention. In the control group, the adherence score average was 5.76±1.806 at baseline and 5.83±1.627 at 6 weeks (P=0.792). While there was no statistically significant difference in adherence score between intervention and control groups at baseline, the post-intervention difference was significant (P=0.024). CONCLUSION Our study suggests that pharmacist-led educational interviews had a positive impact on medication adherence in patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refah AlAjmi
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sinaa Al-Aqeel
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Salah Baz
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Graham H, Tokhi M, Duke T. Scoping review: strategies of providing care for children with chronic health conditions in low- and middle-income countries. Trop Med Int Health 2016; 21:1366-1388. [PMID: 27554327 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify and review strategies of providing care for children living with chronic health conditions in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS We searched MEDLINE and Cochrane EPOC databases for papers evaluating strategies of providing care for children with chronic health conditions in low- or middle-income countries. Data were systematically extracted using a standardised data charting form, and analysed according to Arksey and O'Malley's 'descriptive analytical method' for scoping reviews. RESULTS Our search identified 71 papers addressing eight chronic conditions; two chronic communicable diseases (HIV and TB) accounted for the majority of papers (n = 37, 52%). Nine (13%) papers reported the use of a package of care provision strategies (mostly related to HIV and/or TB in sub-Saharan Africa). Most papers addressed a narrow aspect of clinical care provision, such as patient education (n = 23) or task-shifting (n = 15). Few papers addressed the strategies for providing care at the community (n = 10, 15%) or policy (n = 6, 9%) level. Low-income countries were under-represented (n = 24, 34%), almost exclusively involving HIV interventions in sub-Saharan Africa (n = 21). Strategies and summary findings are described and components of future models of care proposed. CONCLUSIONS Strategies that have been effective in reducing child mortality globally are unlikely to adequately address the needs of children with chronic health conditions in low- and middle-income settings. Current evidence mostly relates to disease-specific, narrow strategies, and more research is required to develop and evaluate the integrated models of care, which may be effective in improving the outcomes for these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish Graham
- Centre for International Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, MCRI, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Mariam Tokhi
- Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Trevor Duke
- Centre for International Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, MCRI, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Shafer PO, Buchhalter J. Patient Education: Identifying Risks and Self-Management Approaches for Adherence and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. Neurol Clin 2016; 34:443-56, ix. [PMID: 27086989 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Patient education in epilepsy is one part of quality epilepsy care and is an evolving and growing field. Health outcomes, patient satisfaction, safety, patient/provider communication, and quality of life may all be affected by what people are taught (or not taught), what they understand, and how they use this information to make decisions and manage their health. Data regarding learning needs and interventions to address medication adherence and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy education can be used to guide clinicians in health care or community settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Osborne Shafer
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue KS 457, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Epilepsy Foundation, Landover, MD 20785-2353, USA.
| | - Jeffrey Buchhalter
- Comprehensive Children's Epilepsy Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2888 Shaganappi Trail Northwest, Calgary, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada
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Cross H. Epilepsy: behavioural, psychological, and ketogenic diet treatments. BMJ CLINICAL EVIDENCE 2015; 2015:1214. [PMID: 26161624 PMCID: PMC4498503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION About 3% of people will be diagnosed with epilepsy during their lifetime, but about 70% of people with epilepsy eventually go into remission. METHODS AND OUTCOMES We conducted a systematic overview, aiming to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of behavioural and psychological treatments in people with epilepsy? What are the effects of ketogenic diets in people with epilepsy? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to April 2014 (Clinical Evidence overviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version). RESULTS Searching of electronic databases retrieved 259 studies. After deduplication and removal of conference abstracts, 253 records were screened for inclusion in the overview. Appraisal of titles and abstracts led to the exclusion of 208 studies and the further review of 45 full publications. Of the 45 full articles evaluated, six systematic reviews and seven RCTs were included at this update. We performed a GRADE evaluation for six PICO combinations. CONCLUSIONS In this systematic overview we categorised the efficacy for seven interventions, based on information relating to the effectiveness and safety of: biofeedback, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), educational programmes, family counselling, ketogenic diet, relaxation therapy (alone or plus behavioural modification therapy), and yoga.
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Kariuki SM, Chengo E, Ibinda F, Odhiambo R, Etyang A, Ngugi AK, Newton CRJC. Burden, causes, and outcomes of people with epilepsy admitted to a rural hospital in Kenya. Epilepsia 2015; 56:577-84. [PMID: 25689574 PMCID: PMC4813756 DOI: 10.1111/epi.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE People with epilepsy (PWE) develop complications and comorbidities often requiring admission to hospital, which adds to the burden on the health system, particularly in low-income countries. We determined the incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), risk factors, and causes of admissions in PWE. We also examined the predictors of prolonged hospital stay and death using data from linked clinical and demographic surveillance system. METHODS We studied children and adults admitted to a Kenyan rural hospital, between January 2003 and December 2011, with a diagnosis of epilepsy. Poisson regression was used to compute incidence and rate ratios, logistic regression to determine associated factors, and the DALY package of the R-statistical software to calculate years lived with disability (YLD) and years of life lost (YLL). RESULTS The overall incidence of admissions was 45.6/100,000 person-years of observation (PYO) (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 43.0-48.7) and decreased with age (p < 0.001). The overall DALYs were 3.1/1,000 (95% CI, 1.8-4.7) PYO and comprised 55% of YLD. Factors associated with hospitalization were use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) (odds ratio [OR] 5.36, 95% CI 2.64-10.90), previous admission (OR 11.65, 95% CI 2.65-51.17), acute encephalopathy (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.07-4.22), and adverse perinatal events (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.06-7.74). Important causes of admission were epilepsy-related complications: convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) (38%), and postictal coma (12%). Age was independently associated with prolonged hospital stay (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.04) and mortality (OR, 1.07, 95% CI 1.04-1.10). SIGNIFICANCE Epilepsy is associated with significant number of admissions to hospital, considerable duration of admission, and mortality. Improved supply of AEDs in the community, early initiation of treatment, and adherence would reduce hospitalization of PWE and thus the burden of epilepsy on the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Symon M Kariuki
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya; Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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