Abstract
Objective: To find the views of epileptic patients about epilepsy and its effects on their living.
Study design: based on a predesigned questionnaire, cross sectional, observational study.
Place and duration of study: OPD of Neurology, Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore.
Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 206 patients divided into pediatric and adult age group. Only epilepsy sufferers were included. The questions were answered by the parents in pediatric age group to record the response and views of family about this particular problem. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed and impact of epilepsy on patients lives was seen.
Results this study represents better awareness and concepts of epileptic patients regarding epilepsy. 71% acknowledged to be suffering from fits, and a similar percentage of patients had their diagnosis done by a doctor. 78% considered it to be medical disorder rather than to be a state of possession which was thought to be by 10.2%. While 4.9% of our patients were of the view fits were contagious and 6.3% believed their arrest with shoe sniffing. 52.4% considered fits to be a cause of shame which signifies fits to be cause of social stigma which was also observed for getting married, 37.9% thought fits were a major hurdle in getting married. Similarly 71.4% considered epilepsy to be a major hurdle in completing their daily task. A majority 93.2% agreed to take medication from physician and minority 24.3% were willing it to be treated by non medical doctors. 58.75 were tired of their underlying condition. Despite of this 76.2% considered themselves to be a useful member of society.
Conclusion: Epilepsy is both a medical and a social issue for patients and their families, who have many myths and misconceptions despite advancement in the available tools for its diagnosis and management. Therefore public education and awareness on a mass scale will help to reassure the patients as well as their care givers and help them to seek appropriate medical and psychological help on time.